-^' f i- 5 ' 



Portrait and B 



ORTRAIT AND OI0GRAPHI6AL 




OF 



WALWORTH AND JEFFERSON 
COUNTIES, WISCONSIN 

CONTAINING 

Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative 

Citizens of the County 

TOGETHER WITH BIOGRAPHIES AND PORTRAITS OF ALL THE 
PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES 



CHICAGO 

LAKE CITY PUBLISHING CO. 

1894 



^^?^^ 



^ 



V 



I'Hhi 



PRKFACB. 



*: 



'he greatest of English historians, Macaulay, and one of the most brilHant writers of the 
present centur}-, has said: "The history of a country is best told in a record of the lives of 
its people." In conformity with this idea, the Portrait and Biographical Album of this 
county has been prepared. Instead of going to musty records, and taking therefrom dry statistical 
matter that can be appreciated by but few, our corps of writers ha\'e gone to the people, the men 
and women who have, b)- their enterprise and industry-, brought the county to a rank second to 
none among those comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of 
their life struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelligent 
public. In this volume will be found a record of man)- whose lives are worthy the imitation of 
coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by industry and economy 
have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited advantages for .securing an education, 
have become learned men and women, with an influence extending throughout the length and 
breadth of the land. It tells of men who have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as 
statesmen, and whose names have become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who 
have striven to succeed, and records how that success has usuall)' crowned their elTorts. It tells 
also of many, very many, who, not seeking the applause of the world, liave pursued "the even 
tenor of their way, ' ' content to have it said of them, as Christ said of the woman performing a 
deed of mercy — "They have done what they could." It tells how that many in the pride and 
strength of young manhood left the plow and the anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting- 
room, left even,- trade and profession, and at their country's call went forth valiantly "to do or 
die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace once more reigned in the 
land. In the life of everj- man and of ever>- woman is a lesson that should not be lost upon 
those who follow after. 

Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from 
the fact that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, and which 
would otherwi.se be inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of tlie work, and 
every opportunity possible given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been 
written; and the publishers flatter them.selves that thej- give to their readers a work with few 
errors of consequence. In addition to the biographical sketches, portraits of a number of repre- 
sentative citizens are given. 

The faces of some, and biographical sketches of man}-, will be missed in this volume. For 
this the publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, .some refu.sed 
to give the information nece.ssary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. Occasionally 
some member of the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition the 
support of the interested one would be withheld. In a few instances men could never be found, 
though repeated calls were made at their residence or place of business. 

June, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co. 



Portraits and BiOGRAPHigs 



OF THE 



PRESIDENTS 



OF THE 



TJnitkd Statbs 



Presidents 




J^% 







GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



HE Father of our Country was born in West- 
moreland County, Va. , February 22, 1732. 
His parents were Augustine and Mary (Ball) 
Washington. The family to which he belonged 
has not been satisfactorilj- traced in England. 
His great-grandfather, John Washington, emi- 
grated to Virginia about 1657, and became a 
prosperous planter. He had two sons, Lawrence 
and John. The former married Mildred Warner, 
and had three children, John, Augustine and 
Mildred. Augu.stine, the father of George, first 
married Jane Butler, who bore him four children, 
two of whom, Lawrence and Augustine, reached 
maturit}'. Of six children by his second mar- 
riage, George was the eldest, the others being 
Betty, Samuel, John Augustine, Charles and 
Mildred. 

Augu.stine Washington, the father of George, 
died in 1743, leaving a large landed property. 
To his eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an 
estate on the Potomac, afterwards known as Mt. 
Vernon, and to George he left the parental resi- 
dence. George received only such education as 
the neighborhood schools afforded, save for a 
short time after he left school, when he received 
private instruction in mathematics. His spelling 
was rather defective. Remarkable stories are 
told of his great physical .strength and develop- 
ment at an early age. He was an acknowledged 
leader among his companions, and was early 
noted for that nobleness of character, fairness and 
veracity which characterized his whole life. 

When George was fourteen years old he had a 
desire to go to sea, and a midshipman's warrant 
was secured for him, but through the opposition 
of his mother the idea was abandoned. Two 



years later he was appointed surveyor to the im- 
mense estate of Lord Fairfax. In this business 
he spent three years in a rough frontier life, 
gaining experience which afterwards proved very 
essential to him. In 1751, though onlj^ nineteen 
years of age, he was appointed Adjutant, with the 
rank of Major, in the Virginia militia, then being 
trained for active service against the French and 
Indians. Soon after this he sailed to the West 
Indies with his brother Lawrence, who went there 
to restore his health. They soon returned, and 
in the summer of 1752 Lawrence died, leaving a 
large fortune to an infant daughter, who did not 
long survive him. On her demise the estate of 
Mt. Vernon was given to George. 

Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddle as Lieu- 
tenant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia 
was reorganized, and the province divided into 
four military districts, of which the northern was 
assigned to Washington as Adjutant-General. 
Shortly after this a verj* perilous mission, which 
others had refused, was assigned him and ac- 
cepted. This was to proceed to the French post 
near Lake Erie, in northwestern Pennsylvania. 
The distance to be traversed was about six hun- 
dred miles. Winter was at hand, and the journey 
was to be made without military escort, through 
a territory occupied by Indians. The trip was a 
perilous one, and several times he nearly lost his 
life, but he returned in safety and furnished a full 
and useful report of his expedition. A regiment 
of three hundred men was rai.sed in Virginia and 
put in command of Col. Joshua Frj-, and Maj. 
Washington was commissioned Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel. Active war was then begun against the 
French and Indians, in which Washington took 



20 



GEORGK WAvSHINGTON 



a most iiniHjrtaiit part. In the nicinorable event 
of July 9, 1755, known as "Hraddock's defeat, " 
VV'asliiiigton was almost the only officer of dis- 
tinction who escape<l from the calamities of the 
day with life and honor. 

Having been for five years in the military ser\- 
ice, and having vainly .sought jnomotion in the 
royal army, he took ad\ antage of the fall of Ft. Du- 
quesne and the expulsion of the French from the 
valley of the (Ihio to resign his commis.sion. Soon 
after he entered the Legislature, where, although 
not a leader, he took an active and important 
part. January 17, 17.S9. he married Mrs. Martha 
(Dandriilge) Custis, the wealthy widow of John 
Parke Custis. 

When the British Parliament had closed the 
port of Boston , the cry went up throughout the 
provinces, ' " The cause ot Boston is the cause of 
us all! " It was then, at the suggestion of Vir- 
ginia, that a congress of all the colonies was 
called to meet at Philadelphia September 5, ' 
1774, to secure their common liberties, peaceably 
if pos.sible. To this congress Col. Washington 
was .sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the 
congress re-assembled, when the lK)stile inten- 
tions of Ivngland were plainly apparent. The [ 
battles of Concord and Lexington had been fought, j 
and among the first acts of this rongress was the 
election of a connnander-in-chief of the Colonial 
forces. This high and responsible office was con- 
ferred upon Wa.shington, who was .still a member 1 
of the congress. He accepted it on June 19, but 
upon the express condition that he receive no sal- I 
ary. He would keep an exact account of ex- 
pen.ses, and expect congress to pay them and 
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch 
to trace the military acts of Washington, to whom 
the fortunes and liberties of the people of this 
countn,' were so long confided. The war was 
conducted by him under ever\- possible disadvan- 
tage; and wliile his forces often met with reverses, 
\et he overcame every obstacle, and after seven 
years of heroic devotion and matchle.ss .skill he 
gained liberty for the greate.st nation of earth. 
On December 23, 1783, Washington, in a parting 
address of surpassing beauty, resigned his com- 
mission as Commander-in-Chief of the army to the 



Continental Congress sitting at .-Xntiapolis. He 
retired imme liately to Mt. Vernon and resume<l 
his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning 
all connection with i>ublic life. 

In February, 17.S9, Washington was unani- 
mously elected President, and at the expiration 
of liis first term he was unanimously re-elected. 
At the end of this term many were anxious that he 
be re-elected, but he absolutely refused a third 
nomination. On March 4, 1797. at the exjiiralion 
of his .second term as President, he returned to his 
home, hoping to pass there his few remaining 
>ears free from the amioyances of public life. 
Later in the year, however, his repose seemed 
likely to be interrupted by war with F'rance. At 
the prospect of such a war he was again urged to 
take command of the army, but he chose his sub- 
ordinate officers and left them the charge of mat- 
ters in the field, which he superintended from his 
home. In accepting the command, he made the 
reservation that he was \u>i to be in the field until 
it was necessary. In the midst of these prepara- 
tions his life was suddenly cut off. December 12 
he took a severe cold from a ride in the rain', 
which, settling in his throat, produced inflamma- 
tion, and terminated fatally on the night of the 
14th. On the 1 8th his body was borne with mili- 
tary honors to its final resting-place, and interred 
in the family vault at Mt. \'ernon. 

Of the character of Washington it is impossible 
to speak but in terms of the highest respect and 
admiration. The more we .see of the operations 
of our govennnent, and the more deeply we feel 
the difficult)- of uniting all t)pinions in a common 
interest, the more highl.\- we must estimate the 
force of his talent and character, which have been 
able to challenge the reverence of all ]iarties, 
and princi])les, and nations, and to win a fame as 
extended as the limits of the glolje, and which we 
cainiot but believe will be as lasting as the exist- 
ence of man. 

Injjer.son, Washington was unusually tall, erect 
and well pro])ortioned, and his nniscular strength 
was great. His features were of a heaiisiful .sym- 
metry. He ccmimanded respect without any ap- 
])earance of haughtiness, and was ever serious ■ 
without being dull. 




m 




7ym^ 



JOHN ADAMS. 



30 HN ADAMS, the second President and the 
first Vice-President of the United States, was 
born in Braintree (now Quincy) Mass., and 
about ten miles from Boston, October 19, 1735. 
His great-grandfather, Henrj- Adams, emigrated 
from England about 1640, with a family of eight 
sons, and settled at Braintree. The parents of 
John were John and Susannah (Boylston) 
Adams. His father, who was a farmer of limited 
means, also engaged in the business of shoe- 
making. He gave his eldest son, John, a classical 
education at Har\'ard College. John graduated 
in 1755, and at once took charge of the school at 
Worcester, Mass. This he found but a "school 
of affliction," from which he endeavored to gain 
relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the 
study of law. For this purpose he placed himself 
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. 
He had thought seriously of the clerical profes- 
sion, but seems to have been turned from this by 
what he termed " the frightful engines of ecclesi- 
astical councils, of diabolical malice, and Calvin- 
istic good nature, ' ' of the operations of which he 
had been a witness in his native town. He was 
well fitted for the legal profession, possessing a 
clear, sonorous voice, being ready and fluent of 
speech, and having quick perceptive powers. He 
gradually gained a practice, and in 1764 married 
Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, and a 
lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his 
marriage, in 1765, the attempt at parliamentarj' 
taxation turned him from law to politics. He 
took initial steps toward holding a town meeting, 
and the resolutions he offered on the subject be- 
came very popular throughout the province, and 
were adopted word for word by over fort>- differ- 
ent towns. He moved to Boston in 1768, and 
became one of the most courageous and promi- 
nent advocates of the popular cause, and was 
chosen a member of the General Court ( the L,eg- 
islature) in 1770. 

Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first dele- 



gates from Massachusetts to the first Continent- 
al Congress, which met in 1774. Here he dis- 
tinguished himself by his capacity for business 
and for debate, and advocated the movement for 
independence against the majority of the mem- 
bers. In May, 1776, he moved and carried a res- 
olution in Congress that the Colonies .should 
assume the duties of self-government. He was a 
prominent member of the committee of five ap- 
pointed June 1 1 to prepare a declaration of inde- 
pendence. This article was drawn by Jeff"er.son, 
but on Adams devolved the task of battling it 
through Congress in a three-days debate. 

On the day after the Declaration of Independ- 
ence was passed, while his soul was yet warm 
with the glow of excited feeling, he wrote a letter 
to his wife, which, as we read it now, seems to 
have been dictated by the spirit of prophecy. 
"Yesterday," he says, "the greatest question 
was decided that ever was debated in America; 
and greater, perhaps, never was or will be de- 
cided among men. A resolution was passed 
without one dissenting colony, 'that these United 
States are, and of right ought to be, free and in- 
dependent states.' The day is passed. The 
Fourth of July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch 
in the history of America. I am apt to believe it 
will be celebrated by succeeding generations as 
the great anniversary festival. It ought to be 
commemorated as the day of deliverance by 
solemn acts of devotion to Almighty God. It 
ought to be solenniized with pomp, shows, games, 
sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations 
from one end of the continent to the other, from 
this time forward forever. You will think me 
transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I 
am well aware of the toil and blood and treas- 
ure that it will cost to maintain this declaration 
and .support and defend these States; yet, through 
all the gloom, I can see the rays of light and 
glory. I can .see that the end is worth more tlian 
all the means, and that posterity will triumph, 



24 



JOHN ADAMS. 



although you and I may rue, which I hope ue 
shall not." 

In November, 1777. Mr. Adams was appointed 
a delegate to France, and to ct;-Ji>erate with Ben- 
jamin Franklin and Aitlnir Lee, who were then 
in Paris, in the Lii(lca\(jr to obtain assistance in 
arms and money from the French government. 
This was a .severe trial to his patriotism, as it 
separated him from his home, compelled him to 
cross the ocean in winter, and exposed him to 
great peril of capture by the Hritish cruisers, who 
were seeking him. Me left I'rance June 17. 
1779. In .September of the same year he was 
again clio.scn to go to Paris, and there hold him- 
self in readiness to negotiate a treaty of peace and 
of commerce with Great Britain, as .soon as the 
British cabinet might be found willing to listen 
to such proposals. He .sailed for France in No- 
vember, and from there he went to Holland, where 
he negotiated imjiortant loans and formed im- 
portant connnercial treaties. 

Finally, a treaty of peace with England was 
signed, January 21. 1783. The re-aclion from the 
e.xcitement, toil and an.xiety Ihn.ugh which Mr. 
Adams had passed threw him into a fever. After 
suffering from a continued fever and becoming 
feeble and emaciated, he was advi.sed to go to 
England to drink the waters of Bath. While in 
Englantl, still droo])ing and despoiu",i:ig, he re- 
ceived dispatches from his own govermnent urg- 
ing the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to 
negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health 
was delicate, yet he inunediately set out, and 
through .stonn, on sea, on horseback and foot, he 
made the trip. 

February 24, 17S5, Congre.ss appointed Mr. 
Adams envoy to the Court of St. James. Here 
he met face to face the King of England, who 
had so long regarded him as a traitor. As Fjig- 
laiid did not condescend to appoint a minister to 
the United States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he 
was accom])lishing but little, he .sought permis- 
sion to return to his own country, where he ar- 
rived in June, I7.S,S. 

When Washington was first chosen President, 
John Adams, rendered illustrious by his signal 
services at home and abroad, was chosen Vice- 



President. Again, at the second election of Wash- 
ington as President, Adams was chosen \'ice- 
President. In 1796, Washington retired from 
public life, and Mr. Adams was elected President, 
though not without much opposition. Sers'ing 
in this office four years, he was succeeded by Mr. 
Jefferson, his opponent in politics. 

While Mr. Adams was Vice-President the 
great I'"rench Revolution shook the continent of 
Europe, and it was upon this point tliat he was 
at issue with the majority of his countr\inen, led 
by Mr. Jefferson. Mr. Adams felt no sympathy 
with the French people in their struggle, for he 
had no confidence in their power of self-govern- 
ment, and he utterly ablKjrred the class of atheist 
philo.sophers who, he claimed, caused it. On the 
other hand, Jefferson's sympathies were strongly 
enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence 
originated the alienation between these distin- 
tinguished men, and the two powerful parties were 
thus soon organized, with Adams at the head of 
the one whose sympathies were with England, 
and Jefferson leading the other in sympathy with 
France. 

The Fourth of July, 1826, which completed the 
half-century since the signing of the Declaration 
of Independence, arrived, and there were but 
three of the .signers of that immortal instrument 
left upon the earth to hail its morning light. 
And, as it is well known, on that day two of 
the.se finished their earthly pilgrimage, a coinci- 
dence -SO remarkable as to seem miraculous. For 
a few days before Mr. Adams had been rapidly 
failing, and on the morning of the Fourth he 
found him.self too weak to ri.se from his bed. On 
Ijeing requested to name a toast for the cus- 
tomary celebration of the day, he exclaimed 
"Independence foreverl" When the day was 
ushered in by the ringing of bells and the firing 
of cannons, he was asked by one of his attend- 
ants if he knew what day it was? He replied, 
"O yes, it is the glorious Fourth of July^God 
bless it — Gotl bless you all!" In the course of 
the day he .said, "It is a great and glorious 
day." The la.sl words he uttered were, "Jeffer- 
son survives." But he haii, at one o'clock, 
resigned his spirit into the hands of his God. 



1 2- 




THOMAS JEFFERSON. 



"HOMAS JEFFERSON was born April 2, 
1743, at Shadwell, Albemarle Couiitj-, Va. 
His parents were Peter and Jane (Ran- 
dolph) Jefferson, the former a native of Wales, 
and the latter born in London. To them were 
born six daughters and two sons, of whom Thomas 
was the elder. When fourteen years of age his 
father died. He received a most liberal educa- 
tion, having been kept diligentl}- at school from 
the time he was five j-ears of age. In 1760 he 
entered William and Mar\- College. Williams- 
burg was then the seat of the Colonial court, and 
it was the abode of fashion and splendor. Young 
Jefferson, who was then seventeen years old, lived 
somewhat expensively, keeping fine horses, and 
going much into gay society; yet he was ear- 
nestly devoted to his studies, and irreproachable in 
his morals. In the second year of his college 
course, moved by some unexplained impul.se, he 
discarded his old companions and pursuits, and 
often devoted fifteen hours a day to hard studw 
He thus attained very high intellectual culture, 
and a like excellence in philosophy and the lan- 
guages. 

Immediately upon leaving college he began the 
study of law. For the .short time he continued 
in the practice of his profession he rose rapidly, 
and distinguished himself by his energy and 
acuteness as a lawyer. But the times called for 
greater action. The polic}- of England had awak- 
ened the spirit of resistance in the American Col- 
onies, and the enlarged views which Jefferson had 
ever entertained soon led him into active politi- 
cal life. In 1769 he. was cho.sen a member of the 
Virginia House of Burgesses. In 1772 he mar- 



ried Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beautiful^ 
wealth}-, and highly accomplished j'oung widow. 

In 1775 he was sent to the Colonial Congress, 
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a 
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he 
was placed upon a number of important com- 
mittees, and was chairman of the one appointed 
for the drawing up of a declaration of independ- 
ence. This committee consisted of Thomas Jef 
ferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger 
Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson, 
as chairman, was appointed to draw up the paper. 
Franklin and Adams suggested a few verbal 
changes before it was .submitted to Congress. On 
June 28, a few slight changes were made in it by 
Congfress, and it was passed and signed July 4, 
1776. 

In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to 
Patrick Henry as Governor of Virginia. At one 
time the British officer Tarleton .sent a secret 
expedition to Monticello to capture the Governor. 
Scarcely five minutes elapsed after the hurried 
escape of Mr. Jefferson and his family ere his 
mansion was in possession of the British troops. 
His wife's health, never very good, was much 
injured by this excitement, and in the summer 
of 17S2 she died. 

Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783. 
Two years later he was appointed Minister Pleni- 
potentiary to France. Returning to the Unite-1 
States in September, 1789, he became Secretaiy 
of State in Washington's cabinet. This po.sition 
he resigned Januar\- i, 1794. In 1797, he was 
chosen Vice-President, and four years later was 
elected President over Mr. Adams, with Aaron 



28 



THOMAS JKFFKRSON. 



Hurr as Vice-President. In 1804 he was re- 
clettcd witli wonderful unanimity, George Clin- 
ton licing electcil Vice-President. 

The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second ad- 
ministration was disturbed by an event which 
Ihrcateiied the traiuiuillity and jKiace of the Union; 
this was the conspiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated 
in the late election to the Vice-Presidency, and 
led <m by an unprincipled ambition, this extraor- 
dinary man foriucd the plan of a military ex- 
])edition into the Spani.sh territories on our south- 
western frontier, for the purpose of forming there 
a new republic. This was generally .supposed 
to have been a mere pretext: and although it has 
not been generally known what his real plans 
were, there is no doubt that they were of a far 
more dangerous character. 

In 1809, at the expiration of the second term 
for which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he de- 
termined to retire from political life. For a period 
of nearly forty years he had been contiiuially be- 
fore the i)ublic, and all that time had been em- 
ployed in offices of the greatest trust and respon 
sibility. Having thus devoted the best part of 
his life to the service of his countrj-, he now felt 
desirous of that rest which his declining years re- 
quired, and upon the organization of the new ad- 
ministration, in March, 1809, he bade farewell for- 
ever to public life and retired to Monticello, his 
famous country home, which, next to Mt. Vernon, 
was the mo.sl distinguished residence in the land. 

The Fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth an- 
niversary of the Declaration of American Inde- 
pendence, great i)reparali()ns were made in every 
part of the Union for its celebration as the nation's 
jubilee, and the citizens of Washington, to add to 
the .solenniily of the occa.sion, invited Mr. Jeffer- 
son, as the framer and one of the few sur\'iving 
signers of the Declaration, to i>articipate in their 
festivities. But an illness, which had been of 
several weeks' duration and had been continually 
increasing, compelled him to decline the invita- 
tion. 

On the 2d of July the disease under which he 
was laboring left him, but in such a reduced 
state that his medical atleiidanls entertained no 
hope of his recovery. From this time he was 



perfectly sensible thnt his last hour was at hand. 
On the next day, which was Monday, he asked 
of those around him the da>- of the month, and 
on being told it was the 3d of July, he ex- 
pressed the earnest wish that he might be per- 
mitted to breathe the air of the fiftieth anniver- 
sarj-. His prayer was heard — that day whose 
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our 
land burst upon his e\es, and then they were 
closed forever. And what a noble consummation 
of a noble life! To die on that day — the birth- 
day of a nation — the day which his own name 
and his own act had rendered glorious, to die 
amidst the rejoicings and festivities of a whole 
nation, who looked up to him as the author, un- 
der God, of their greatest blessings, was all that 
was wanting to fill up the record of his life. 

Almo.st at the .same hour of his death, the kin- 
dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to Ijear 
him company, left the .scene of his earthly honors. 
Hand in hand they had .stood forth, the cham- 
pions of freedom ; hand in hand, during the dark 
and desperate struggle of the Revolution, they 
had cheered and animated their desponding coun- 
trymen; for half a century they had laboreti to- 
gether for the good of the country, and now hand 
in hand they departed. In their lives they had 
been united in the .same great cau.se of liberty, 
and in their deaths they were not divided. 

In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rathtr 
above si.x feet in height, but well formed; his eyes 
were light, his hair, originally red, in after life be- 
came white and silvery, his complexion was fair, 
his forehead broad, and his whole countenance 
intelligent and thoughtful. He pos.ses.sed g^eat 
fortitude of mind as well as personal courage, and 
his command of temper was such that his oldest 
and most intimate friends never recollected to 
have seen him in a passion. His tnanners, though 
dignified, were .simple and unaffected, and his 
hospitality was so unbonndetl that all found at 
his house a ready welcome. In conversation he 
was fluent, eloquent and enthusia.stic, and his 
language was remarkably pure and correct. He 
was a finished cla.s.sical scholar, and in his writ- 
ings is discernible the care with which he formed 
his style upon the best models of antiquity. 




/ 



/ 



.^t-^^^-L. ^^K/ ^f^-< r 



JAMES MADISON. 



3 AMES MADISON, "Father of the Consti- 
tution," and fourth President of the United 
States, was born March i6, 1757, and died 
at his home in Virginia June 28, 1836. The 
name of James Madison is inseparably connected 
with most of the important events in that heroic 
period of our countrv- during which the founda- 
tions of this great repubhc were laid. He was 
the last of the founders of the Constitution of the 
Unite .1 States to be called to his eternal reward. 

The Madison familj' were among the early emi- 
grants to the New World, landing upon the shores 
of the Chesapeake but fifteen years after the settle- 
ment of Jamestown. The father of James Madison 
was an opulent planter, residing upon a very fine 
estate called Montpelier, in Orange County, Va. 
It was but twenty-five miles from the home of Jef- 
ferson at Monticello, and the closest personal and 
political attachment existed between these illustri- 
ous men from their early youth until death. 

The early education of Mr. Madison was con- 
ducted mostly at home under a private tutor. At 
the age of eighteen he was sent to Princeton Col- 
lege, in New Jersey. Here he applied himself to 
study v^'ith the most imprudent zeal, allowing him- 
self for months but three hours' sleep out of the 
twenty-four. His health thus became so seriousl}' 
impaired that he never recovered any vigor of 
constitution. He graduated in 1 77 1 , with a feeble 
body, but with a character of utmost purity, and 
a mind highly disciplined and richly stored with 
learning, which embellished and gave efficiency 
to his subsequent career. 

Returning to Virginia, he commenced the .study 
of law and a course of extensive and systematic 
reading. This educational course, the spirit of 
the times in which he lived, and the society with 
which he associated, all combined to in.spire him 
with a strong love of liberty, and to train him for 
his life-work as a statesman. 

lu the spring of 1776, when twenty-six years of 



age, he was elected a member of the Virginia Con- 
vention to frame the constitution of the State. The 
next year (1777). lie was a candidate for the Gen- 
eral Assembly. He refu.sed to treat the whisky -lov- 
ing voters, and consequently lost his election; but 
those who had witnessed the talent, energy and 
pubhc spirit of the modest young man enlisted 
them.selves in his behalf, and he was appointed to 
the Executive Council. 

Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were 
Governors of Virginia while Mr. MadLson re- 
mained member of the Council, and their apprecia- 
tion of his intellectual, social and moral worth 
contributed not a little to his subsequent eminence. 
In the year 1780 he was elected a member of the 
Continental Congress. Here he met the most il- 
lustrious men in our land, and he was immediately 
assigned to one ol the most conspicuous positions 
among them. For three years he contiimed in Con- 
gress, one of its most active and influential mem- 
bers. In 1784, his term having expired, he was 
elected a member of the Virginia Legislature. 

No man felt more deeplj' than Mr. Madison the 
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no 
national government, and no power to f jrm trea- 
ties which would be binding, or to enforce law. 
There was not any State more prominent than 
Virginia in the declaration that an efficient na- 
tional government must be formed. In January, 
1786, Mr. Madison carried a resolution through 
the General Assembly of Virginia, inviting the 
other States to appoint commissioners to meet in 
convention at Annapolis to discuss this subject. 
Five vStates only were represented. The conven- 
tion, however, issued another call, drawn up by 
Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their 
delegates to Philadelphia in May, 1787, to draft 
a Con.stitution for the United States, to take the 
place of the Confederate League. The delegates 
met at the time appointed. Everj- State but 
Rhode Island was represented. George Washing- 



32 



JAMES MADISON. 



ton was chosen president of the convention, and the 
present Constitution of the I 'niled States was tlien 
and there formed. Tliere was, perhaps, no mind 
and no pen more active in framing this immortal 
dtKument than the mind and the pen of James 
Madison. 

The Constitution, adopted by a vote of eighty-one 
to seventy-nine, was to he presented to the .several 
States for acceptance. But grave .solicitude was 
feU- Should it be rejected, we should l)e left but a 
conglomeration of independent States, with but 
little power at home and little rcsjiect abroad. Mr. 
Madi.son was elected by the convention to draw up 
an address to the people of the United States, ex- 
pounding the principles of the Constitution, and 
urging its adt)ption. There was great opposition 
to it at fir.st, but at length it triumphed over all, 
and went into effect in 17S9. 

Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre- 
sentatives in the first Congre-ss, and scxjti became 
the avowed leader of the Republican party. W'hile 
in New York attending Congress, he met Mrs. 
Todd, a young widow of remarkable power of fas- 
cination, whom he married. She was in person 
and character queenly, and probaby no lady has 
thus far occupied .so prominent a position in the 
very peculiar society which has con.stituted our 
republicaji court as did Mrs. Madison. 

Mr. Madison sened as Secretar>- of State under 
Jefferson, and at the clo.se of his administration 
was chosen President. At this time the encroach- 
ments of ICngland had brought us to the verge of 
war. British orders in council destroyed our com- 
merce, and our flag was e.xposed to constant insult. 
Mr. Madison was a man of peace. Scholarly in 
his ta.ste, retiring in his disposition, war had no 
charms for him. But the meekest spirit can be 
roused. It makes one's blood boil, even now, to 
think of an American ship brought to upon the 
ocean by the guns of an Knglish cruiser. A 
young lieutenant steps on board and orders the 
crew to be paraded before him. With great non- 
chalance he selects any nundx-r whom he may 
please t(i designate as British subjects, orders them 
down the ship's side into his boat, and places them 
on the gundeck of his man-of-war, to fight, by 
compulsion, the battles of England. This right 



of search and impressment no efforts of our Gov- 
ennnent could induce the British cabinet l<i re- 
linqui.sh. 

On the i8th of June, 1S12, President Madison 
gave his approval to an act of Congress declaring 
war against Great Britain. Notwithstanding llie 
bitter hostility of the Federal party to the war, the 
country in general approved; and Mr. Madison, 
on the 4tli of March, 18 13, was re-elected by a 
large majority, and enteretl upon his second term 
of office. This is not the place to describe the 
various adventures of this war on the land and on 
the water. Our infant navy then laid the found- 
ations of its renown in grappling with the most 
formidable power which ever swept the .seas. The 
contest commenced in earnest by the appearance 
of a Briti.sh fleet, early in Kebruarj-, 1813, in 
Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole coast 
of the United States under blockade. 

The lunperor of Russia offered his ser\-ices as 
mediator. America accepted; England refu.sed. 
A British force of five thousand men landed on the 
banks of the Patu.xet River, near its entrance into 
Chesapeake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of 
Bladensburg, upon Washington. 

The straggling little city of Wa.shington was 
thrown into consternation. The cannon of the 
brief conflict at Bladensburg echoed through the 
streets of the metropolis. The whole population 
fled from the city. The President, leaving Mrs. 
Madison in the White House, with her carriage 
drawn up at the door to await his speedy return, 
hurried to meet the officers in a council of war. 
He met our troops utterly routed, and he could not 
go l)ack without danger of being captured. But 
few hours elapsed ere the Presidential Mansion, 
the Capitol, and all the public buildings in Wash- 
ington were in flames. 

The war closed after two years of figliting, and 
on February 13, 18 15, the treaty of peace was 
signed at Crhent. On the 4th of March, 18 17, his 
second term of oflice expired, and he resigned the 
Presidential chair to his friend, James Monroe. 
He retired to his beautiful home at Monlpelier, and 
there pa.s.sed the remainder of his davs. On June 
28, 1836, at the age of eighty-five years, he feP 
asleep in death. Mrs. Madison died July 12, 1S49. 



1 




^^---?->-7.^ / /^-^ 



^ /' ' ^ ^ 



<^ 



JAMES MONROE. 



(Tames MONROE, the fifth President of the 
I United States, was born in Westmoreland 
G) County, Va., April 28, 1758. His early life 
was passed at the place of his nativity. His an- 
cestors had for many years resided in the province 
in which he was bom. When he was seventeen 
years old, and in process of completing his educa- 
tion at William and Mary College, the Colonial 
Congress, assembled at Philadelphia to deliberate 
upon the unjust and manifold oppressions of Great 
Britain, declared the .separation of the Colonies, 
and promulgated the Declaration of Independence. 
Had he been born ten 3fears before, it is highlj- 
probable that he would have been one of the 
signers of that celebrated instrument. At this 
time he left school and enlisted among the pa- I 
triots. 

He joined the army when everj-thing looked 
hopeless and gloomy. The number of deserters 
increased from daj- to daj-. The invading armies 
came pouring in, and the Tories not only favored 
the cause of the mother country, but disheartened 
the new recruits, who were sufficiently terrified 
at the prospect of contending with an enemy 
whom thej' had been taught to deem in\incible. 
To such brave spirits as James Monroe, who went 
right onward undismayed through difficult}- and 
danger, the United States owe their political 
emancipation. The young cadet joined the ranks 
and espoused the cause of his injured countrj-, 
with a firm determination to live or die in her ! 
strife for liberty. Firmly, yet sadly, he shared in 
the melancholy retreat from Harlem Heights 
and White Plains, and accompanied the dispirited 
army as it fled before its foes through New Jersey. 
In four months after the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, the patriots had been beaten in seven 
battles. At the battle of Trenton he led the van- 
guard, and in the act of charging upon the enemy 
he received a wound in the left shoulder. I 



As a reward for his braver^', Mr. Monroe was 
promoted to be captain of infantn,-, and, having re- 
covered from his wounds, he rejoined the army. 
He, however, receded from the line of promotion 
by becoming an officer on the staff of Lord Ster- 
ling. During the campaigns of 1777 and 1778, 
in the actions of Brandywine, Germantown and 
Monmouth, he continued aide-de-camp; but be- 
coming desirous to regain his position in the 
army, he exerted himself to collect a regiment for 
the Virginia line. This scheme failed, owing to 
the exhausted condition of the State. Upon this 
failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at 
that period Governor, and pursued with consid- 
erable ardor the .study of common law. He did 
not, however, entirely lay aside the knapsack for 
the green bag, but on the invasion of the enemy 
ser^-ed as a volunteer during the two years of his 
legal pursuits. 

In 1782 he was elected from King George 
County a member of the Legi.slature of Virginia, 
and by that bod}- he was elevated to a seat in the 
Executive Council. He was thus honored with 
the confidence of his fellow-citizens at twenty- 
three years of age, and having at this early period 
displayed some of that ability and aptitude for 
legislation which were afterward emplo}-ed with 
unremitting energy for the public good, he was 
in the succeeding year chosen a member of the 
Congress of the United States. 

Deeply as Mr. Monroe felt the imperfections of 
the old Confederacy, he was opposed to the new 
Constitution, thinking, with many others of the 
Republican part}-, that it gave too mucli power to 
the Central Government, and not enough to the 
individual States. Still he retained the esteem 
of his friends who were its warm supporters, and 
who, notwithstanding his opposition, secured its 
adoption. In 1789 he became a member of the 
United States Senate, which office he held for 



36 



JAMES MONROE. 



four years. ICvcry month the line of distinction 
Iwtwttn the two ^rcat parties which divided the 
nation, the Fe<leral and the Republican, was 
growing more distinct. The differences which 
now separated them lay in the fact that the Repub- 
lican party was in sympathy with Trance, and 
also in favor of such a strict construction of the 
Constitution as to ^Mve the Central Government as 
little power, and the State Governments as niucii 
power, as the Con.stitution would warrant; while 
the Federalists sympathized with Eni^land, and 
were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con- 
stitution, which would give as much power to the 
Central Government as that document could pos- 
sibly authorize. 

Washington was then President. England had 
espoused the cause of the Hourbons against the 
principles of the French Revolution. All Europe i 
was drawn into the conflict. We were feeble and 
far away. Washington issued a proclamation of 
neutrality between the.se contending powers. 
France had helped us in the struggles for our 
liberties. All the despotisms of Ivurojie were now 
combined to prevent the French from escaping 
from a lyranin a tliousand-fold worse than that 
which we had endured. Col. Monroe, more mag- 
nanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at 
whatever hazard, we .should help our old allies in 
their extremity. It was the ini])ul.se of a gener- 
ous and noble nature, and Washington, whocould 
appreciate such a character, showed his calm, se- 
rene, almost divine, greatness, by appointing that 
very James Monroe who was denouncing the pol- 
icy of the Government, as the minister of that 
Goverinnent to the Republic of France. Mr. 
Monroe was welcomed by the National Conven- 
tion in France with the mo.st enthusiastic dem- 
onstration. 

Shortly after his return to this country, Mr. 
Monroe was elected Governor of Virginia, and 
held the office for three years. He was again ' 
sent to France to co-operate with Chancellor Liv- 
ingston in obtaining the vast territory then known 
as the province of Louisiana, which France had 
but shortly before obtained from vSjiain. Their 
united efforts were successful. For the comjiara- 
tively small sum of fifteen millions of dollars, the 



entire territor\ of Orleans and district of I/jui- 
siana were added to the Unite<l States. This was 
proliably the largest transfer of real estate which 
was ever made in all the history of the world. 

F'rom France Mr. Monroe went to F'ngland to 
obtain from that countr\- some re-cognition of our 
rights as neutrals, and to remon.strate against 
those odious impressments of our seamen. But 
luiglaiid was unrelenting. He again returned to 
England on the same mission, but could receive 
no redress. He returned to his home and was 
again chosen Governor of \'irginia. This he soon 
resigned to accept the position of Secretarv- of 
State under Madison. While in this office war 
with F^ngland was dc-clared, the Secretary of War 
resigned, and during these trying times the 
duties of the War Department were al.so put upon 
him. He was truly the armor-lK-arer of President 
Madison, and the most efficient business man in 
his cabinet. I'pon the return of peace he re- 
signed the Department of War, but continued in 
the office of Secretary of State until the expira- 
tion of Mr. Madison's administration. At the 
election held the previous autumn, Mr. Monroe 
himself had been chosen President with but little 
opposition, and upon March 4, 1817, he was in- 
augurated. Four years later he was elected for 
a second tenu. 

Among the important measures of his Presi- 
dency were the cession of Floriila to the United 
States, the Missouri Compromise, and the famous 
" Monroe doctrine." This doctrine was enun- 
ciated by him in 1823, and was as follows: " That 
we should consider any attempt on the part of 
European powers to extend their .sy.stem to any 
portion of this hemi.sphere as dangerous to our 
peace and .safety," and that " we could not view 
any intcri)o.sition for the purpose of oppressing or 
controlling American governments or provinces 
in any other light than as a nianifestation by 
luiropean powers of an unfriendly disposition 
toward the I'liited States." 

At the end of his second tenn, Mr. Monroe re- 
tired to his home in \'irgiiiia, where he lived un- 
til 1830, when he went to New York to live with 
his son-in-law. In that cit\ he died, on the 4II1 
of July, 1831. 




a 



J. 5 . cA(a/v>uJ 



JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 



(TOHN QUINCY ADAMS, the sixth President 

I of the United States, was born in the rural 
0/ home of his lionored father, John Adams, in 
Quinc}', Mass., on the nth of July, 1767. His 
mother, a woman of exalted worth, watched over 
his childhood during the almost constant ab- 
sence of his father. When but eight years of 
age, he stood with his mother on an eminence, 
listening to the booming of the great battle on 
Bunker's Hill, and gazing out upon the smoke 
and flames billowing up from the conflagration of 
Charlestown. 

When but eleven years old he took a tearful 1 
adieu of his mother, to sail with his father for Eu- 
rope, through a fleet of hostile British cruisers. 
The bright, animated boy spent a year and a-half 
in Paris, where his father was associated with 
Franklin and Lee as Minister Plenipotentiary. 
His intelligence attracted the notice of these dis- 
tinguished men, and he received from them flat- 
tering marks of attention. 

John Adams had scarcely returned to this 
country, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. 
Again John Quincy accompanied his father. At 
Paris he applied himself to study with great dil- 
igence for six months, and then accompanied his 
father to Holland, where he entered first a school 
in Amsterdam, then the University at Lej'den. 
About a year from this time, in 1781, when the 
manly boy was but fourteen years of age, he was 
selected by Mr. Dana, our Minister to the Rus- 
sian court, as his private secretary. 

In this .school of incessant labor and of ennobl- 
ing culture he spent fourteen months, and then 
returned to Holland, through Sweden, Denmark, 
Hamburg and Bremen. This long journey he 
took alone in the winter, when in his sixteenth 
year. Again lie resumed his studies, under a pri- 
vate tutor, at The Hague. Then, in the spring of 
1782, he accompanied his father to Paris, travel- 
ing leisurely, and forming acquaintances with the 
most distint;uislied men on the continent, examin- 



ing architectural remains, galleries of paintings, 
and all renowned works of art. At Paris he 
again became as.sociated with the most illustrious 
men of all lands in the contemplation of the 
loftiest temporal themes which can engross the 
human mind. After a short visit to England he 
returned to Paris, and consecrated all his energies 
to study until May, 1785, when he returned to 
America to finish his education. 

Upon leaving Harvard College at the age of 
twenty, he .studied law for three years. In June, 
1794, being then but twenty-.seven years of age, 
he was appointed by Washington Resident Min- 
ister at the Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in 
July, he reached London in October, where he 
was immediately admitted to the deliberations of 
Messrs. Jay & Pinckney, assisting them in nego- 
tiating a commercial treaty with Great Britain. 
After thus spending a fortnight in London, he 
proceeded to The Hague. 

In July, 1797, he left The Hague to go to Por- 
tugal as Minister Plenipotentiary. On his way to 
Portugal, upon arriving in London, he met with 
despatches directing him to the court of Berlin, but 
requesting him to remain in London until he 
should receive his in.structions. While waiting 
he was married to an American lady, to whom he 
had been previously engaged — Miss Louisa Cath- 
erine John.son, a daughter of Joshua Johnson, 
American Consul in London, and a lady en- 
dowed with that beauty and those accomplish- 
ments which eminently fitted her to move in the 
elevated sphere for which she was destined. He 
reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797, 
where he remained until Juh', 1799, when, hav- 
ing fulfilled all the purpo.ses of his mission, he so- 
licited his recall. 

Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen 
to the Senate of Massachusetts from Boston, and 
then was elected vSenator of the United States for 
six years, from the 4th of March, 1804. His rep- 
utation, his ability and his experience placed 



JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 



hiiii iinincdiately among the most prominent and 
influential members of that body. 

In iSug, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the 
Presidential chair, and he inunediately nominated 
John Quincy Adams Minister to St. Petersburgh. 
Resigning his profe.s-sorship in Harvard Col- 
lege, he embarked at Boston in August, 1809. 

While in Russia. Mr. Adams was an intense 
.student. He devoted his attention to the lan- 
guage and historj- of Ru.ssia; to the Chinese trade; 
to the Ivuroi>ean sy.stem of weights,- measures and 
coins; to the climate and astronomical obserV'a- 
tions: while he kept up a familiar acquaintance 
with the Greek and Latin classics. In all the 
universities of KurojK-. a more accomplished 
scholar could .scarcely be found. All through 
life the Bible constituted an important i)art of his 
studies. It was his rule to read five chapters 
ever>' day. 

On the 4th of March, 1817, Mr. Monroe took 
the Presidential chair, and immediately apix)inted 
Mr. Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of 
liis mimerous friends in public and private life in 
Kurope, he .sailed in June, 1819, for the United 
States. On the iSth of August, he again crossed 
the threshold of his home in (juincy. During the 
eiglit years of Mr. Monroe's administration, Mr. 
Adams continued Secretary of State. 

Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's 
second lenn of office, new candidates began to be 
presented for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. 
Adams brought forward his name. It was an 
exciting campaign, and party spirit was never 
more bitter. Two hundred and sixty electoral 
votes were ca.st. Andrew Jacksan received ninety- 
nine; John Quincy Adams eighty-four; William 
H. Crawford forty-one; and Henry Cla\- thirty- 
seven. As there was no clioice by the people, 
the question went to the House of Representa- 
tives. Mr. Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to 
Mr. Adams, and he was elected. 

The friends of all the disajjpoitited candidates 
now ccMubined in a venomous and persistent as- 
sault upon Mr. Adams. There is nothing more 
disgraceful in thepa.st history of our country than 
the abuse which wasjioured in one uninterntpted 
stream upon this high ininded, upright and pa- 



triotic man. There never was an administration 
more pure in principles, more conscientiouslj- de- 
voted to the best interests of the country, than 
that of John Quincy Ailams; and never, perhaps, 
was there an administration more unscnipulously 
and outrageously assailed. 

On the 4th (if March, 1829. Mr. Adams retired 
from the Presidenc.\-, and was succeeded by An- 
drew Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected 
\'ice-Presidcnt. The slavery question now be- 
gan to assume portentous magnitude. Mr. Adams 
returned to Quincy and to his studies, which he 
pursued with unabated zeal. But he was not 
long permitted to remain in retirement. In No- 
vember, 1830, he was elected Representative in 
Congress. For seventeen years, or until his death, 
he occupied the post as Representative, towering 
above all his peers, ever ready to do bra\'e battle 
for freedom, and winning the title of "the Old 
Man Klotjuent." Upon taking his seat in the 
House, he announced that he .should hold him- 
self bound to no party. Probably tliere never 
was a member more devoted to his duties. He 
was usually the first in his place in the morning, 
and the la.st to leave his seat in the evening. 
Not a measure could be brought forward and es- 
cape his scrutiny. The battle which Mr. Adams 
fought, almost singly, against the pro-slavery 
party in the Government was sublime in its 
moral daring and heroism. For persi.sting in 
prcs.;-nting petitions for the abolition of slavery, 
he was threatened with indictment by the grand 
jury, with expulsion from the House, with a.ssas- 
sination; Init no threats could intimidate him, and 
his final triumph was complete. 

On the 2ist of Februar>-, 1848, he rose on tlie 
floor of Congress with a jiaper in his liand, to 
address tiie speaker. Suddeidy he fell, again 
.stricken by paralysis, ar.d was caught in the arms 
of those around him. For a time he was sense- 
less, as he was conveyed to the sofa in the ro- 
tunda. With reviving consciousness, he opened 
his eyes, looked calinl\- around anil said "This 
is the end of earth;" tlien after a moment's pau.se 
he added, " I am content." These were the last 
words of the grand " Old Man Eloquent." 





;^^z7>^- 



y^-yi-tiJ)' 



/ 



<:=rzz:^>^/ r // ^ /^ / 



ANDREW JACKSON. 



61 NDREW JACKSON, the seventh President 
LA of the United States, was born in Waxhaw 
/ I settlement, N. C, March 15, 1767, a few 
days after his father's death. His parents were 
poor emigrants from Ireland, and took up their 
abode in Waxhaw settlement, where they lived 
in deepest poverty. 

Andrew, or Andy, as he was universally called, 
grew up a verj- rough, rude, turbulent boy. His 
features were coarse, his form ungainly, and there 
was but very little in his character made visible 
which was attractive. 

When only thirteen jears old he joined the 
volunteers of Carolina against the British invasion. 
In 1 78 1, he and his brother Robert were captured 
and imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British 
officer ordered him to brush his mud-spattered 
boots. "lam a prisoner of war, not your serv- 
ant," was the reply of the dauntless boy. 

Andrew supported himselfin various ways, such 
as working at the saddler's trade, teaching school, 
and clerking in a general store, until 1784, when 
he entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, 
however, gave more attention to the wild amuse- 
ments of the times than to his studies. In 17S8, 
he was appointed solicitor for the Western District 
of North Carolina, of which Tennessee was then 
a part. This involved many long journey's amid 
dangers ofeverj' kind, but Andrew Jackson never 
knew fear, and the Indians had no desire to re- 
peat a skirmish with "Sharp Knife." 

In 1791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman 
who supposed herself divorced from her former 
husband. Great was the surprise of both parties, 
two years later, to find that the conditions of the 
divorce had just been definitel>- settled by the 
first husband. The marriage ceremony was per- 
formed a second time, but the occurrence was 
often u.sed by his enemies to bring Mr. Jackson 
into disfavor. 



In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee 
then containing nearly eighty thousand inhabi- 
tants, the people met in convention at Knoxville 
to frame a constitution. Five were sent from 
each of the eleven counties. Andrew Jackson 
was one of the delegates. The new State was 
entitled to but one member in the National House 
of Representatives. Andrew Jackson was chosen 
that member. Mounting his hor.se, he rode to 
Philadelphia, where Congress then held its ses- 
sions, a distance of about eight hundred miles. 

Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo- 
cratic party, and Jefferson was his idol. He ad- 
mired Bonaparte, loved France, and hated Eng- 
land. As Mr. Jack.son took his seat, Gen. Wash- 
ington, whose second term of office was then 
expiring, delivered his last speech to Congress. 
A committee drew up a complimentary address in 
reply. Andrew Jackson did not approve of the 
address, and was one of the twelve who voted 
again,st it. He was not willing to say that Gen. 
Washington's administration had been "wise, 
firm and patriotic. ' ' 

Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States 
Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned 
home. Soon after he was chasen Judge of the 
Supreme Court of his State, which position he 
held for six years. 

When the War of 181 2 with Great Britain com- 
menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair. 
Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there 
was an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jack- 
son, who would do credit to a commission if one 
were conferred upon him. Just at that time Gen. 
Jackson offered his services and those of twenty- 
five hundred volunteers. His offer was accepted, 
and the troops were assembled at Nashville. 

As the Briti.sh were hourly expected to make 
an attack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wil- 
kinson was in command, he was ordered to de- 



44 



ANDREW JACKSON. 



sctiul the river with fifteen liundretl troops to aid 
Wilkinson. The expL-dition reached Natchez, 
and after a delay of st-veral weeks there wilhont 
accomplishing anything, the men were ordered 
hack to their homes. Hnt the energy Gen. Jack- 
son had displayed, and his entire devotion to the 
comfort of his soldiers, won for him golden opin- 
ions, and he became the most popnlar man in the 
State. It was in this expedition that his tough- 
ness gave him the nickname of "Old Hickory." 

Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip 
Col. Thomas Benton for a remark that gentleman 
made about his taking part as second in a duel 
in which a younger brother of Benton's was en- 
gaged, he receiver! two severe pistol wounds. 
While he was lingering upon a betl of suffering, 
news came that the Indians, who had combined 
under Tecumseh from Florida to the Lakes to ex- 
terminate the white settlers, were committing the 
most awful ravages. Decisive action became nec- 
e.ssar>'. Gen. Jackson, with his fractured bone 
jn.st beginning to heal, his arm in a sling, and 
unable to mount his horse without assistance, 
gave his amazing energies to the rai.sing of an 
army to rendezvous at Fayette.sville, Ala. 

The Creek Indians had establi.shed a strong 
fort on one of the bends of the Tallapoosa River, 
near the center of Alabama, about fifty miles be- 
low Ft. Strother. With an army of two thousand 
men. Gen. Jack.son traversed the pathless wilder- 
ness in a march of eleven days. He reached their 
fort, called Tohopeka or Horse-shoe, on the 27th 
of March, 1814. The bend of the river enclosed 
nearly one hundred acres of tangled forest and 
wild ravine. Acro.ss the narrow neck the Indians 
had constructed a fonnitlable breastwork of logs 
and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, with 
an ample supply of arms, were assembled. 

The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly 
desperate. Not an Indian would accept quarter. 
When bleeding and dying, they would fight those 
who endeavored to spare their lives. From ten 
in the morning until dark the battle raged. The 
carnage was awful and revolting. Some threw 
them.selves into the river; but the unerring bul- 
lets struck their heads as they swam. Nearly 
everv one of the nine hundred warriors was 



killed. A few, probably, in the night swam 
the river and escai>ed. This ended the war. 

This closing of the Creek War enabletl us to 
concentrate all our militia upon the British, who 
were the allies of the Indians. No man of le.ss 
resolute will than Gen. Jack.son could have con- 
ducted this Indian campaign to so successful an 
issue. Immediately he was appointed Major- 
General. 

Late in August, with an army of two thousand 
men on a ru.shing march. Gen. Jack.son went to 
Mobile. A British fleet went from Pensacola, 
landed a force upon the beach, anchored near the 
little fort, and from both ship and shore com- 
menced a furious as.sault. The battle was long 
and doubtful. At length one of the ships was 
bh)wn up and the rest retired. 

Garrisoning Mobile, where he liad taken his 
little army, he moved his troops to New Orleans, 
and the battle of New Orleans, which .soon ensued, 
was in reality a very arduous campaign. Tiiis 
won for Gen. Jackson an imperi.shable name. 
Here his troops, which numbered about four 
thousand men, won a signal victory over the 
British army of about nine thousand. His loss 
was but thirteen, while the loss of the Britisii was 
twenty-six hundred. 

The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be 
mentioned in connection with the Presidency, 
but in 1824 he was defeated by Mr. Adams. 
He was, however, successful in the election of 
1828, and was re-elected for a second term in 
1832. In 1829, just before he a.ssumed the reins 
of government, he met with the mo.st terrible 
affliction of his life in the death of his wife, whom 
he had loved with a devotion which has perhajis 
never been surpassed. I'nmi the shock of her 
death he never recovered. 

His administration was one of tlie most mem- 
orable in the annals of our countn,- — applauded 
by one party, condemned by the other. No man 
had more bitter enemies or warmer friends. At 
the exi)iration of his two terms of office he retired 
tothcHennitage, wherehediedJnneS, 1845. The 
last years of Mr. Jackson's life were those of a de- 
voted Christian man. 




\ ■ ■ •*,- 



O > lyTJ'^^ ^^L^J c^yc^^'^ 



MARTIN VAN BUREN. 



iA ARTIN VAN BUREN, the eighth Presi- 
y dent of the United States, was born at Kin- 
(9 derhook, N. Y., December 5, 1782. He 
died at the same place, July 24, 1862. His body 
rests in the cemetery at Kinderhook. Above it is 
a plain granite shaft, fifteen feet high, bearing a 
simple inscription about half-way up on one face. 
The lot is unfenced, unbordered or unbounded 
by shrub or flower. 

There is but little in the life of Martin Van 
Buren of romantic interest. He fought no battles, 
engaged in no wild adventures. Though his life 
was storm\' in political and intellectual conflicts, 
and he gained many signal victories, his days 
passed uneventful in those incidents which give 
zest to biography. His ancestors, as his name indi- 
cates, were of Dutch origin, and were among the 
earliest emigrants from Holland to the banks of 
the Hudson. His father was a farmer, residing 
ill the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, also 
of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel- 
ligence and exemplarj' piety. 

He was decidedl}' a precocious boy, developing 
unusual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At 
the age of fourteen, he had finished his academic 
studies in his native village, and commenced the 
study of law. As he had not a collegiate educa- 
tion, seven years of study in a law-office were re- 
quired of him before he could be admitted to the 
Bar. Inspired with a lofty ambition, and con- 
scious of his powers, he pursued his studies with 
indefatigable iiidustr\-. After spending six years 
in an office in his native village, he went to the city 
of New York, and prosecuted his studies for the 
seventh year. 

In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty -one years 



of age, commenced the practice of law in his na- 
tive village. The great conflict between the Federal 
and Republican parties was then at its height. 
Mr. Van Buren was from the beginning a politi- 
cian. He had, perhaps, imbibed that spirit while 
listening to the many discussions which had been 
carried on in his father' s hotel. He was in cordial 
sympathy with Jefferson, and earnestly and elo- 
quently espoused the cause of State Rights, though 
at that time the Federal party held the supremacy 
both in his town and State. 

His success and increasing reputation led him 
after six years of practice to remove to Hudson, 
the county seat of his county. Here he spent 
.seven years, constantly gaining strength by con- 
tending in the courts with some of the ablest men 
who have adorned the Bar of his State. 

Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mr. 
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for 
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short 
years .she sank into the grave, a victim of con- 
sumption, leaving her husband and four sons to 
weep over her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. 
Van Buren was an earnest, successful, assiduous 
lawyer. The record of those years is barren in 
items of public interest. In 18 12, when thirty 
years of age, he was chosen to the State Senate, 
and gave his strenuous support to Mr. Madison's 
administration. In 181 5, he was appointed At- 
torney-General, and the next year moved to Al- 
bany, the capital of the State. 

While he was acknowledged as one of the most 
prominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had 
the moral courage to avow that true democracj- did 
not require that ' 'universal suffrage' ' which admits 
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right 



48 



MARTIN VAN BUREN. 



of goveruiiig the State. In true consistency with 
his democratic iiriiiciplcs, lie contended that, while 
the path leading to the privilege of voting should 
be open to everj- man without distinction, no one 
should be invested with that sacred prerogative 
unless he were in some degree qualified for it by 
intelligence, virtue, and some property interests in 
the welfare'of the State. 

In 1 82 1 he was elected a member of the United 
States Senate, and in the same >ear he took a 
seat in the convention to revise the Constitution of 
his native State. His course in this convention 
secured the approval of men of all parties. No 
one could doubt the singleness of his endeavors to 
promote the interests of all classes in the com- 
munity. In the Senate of the I'nited States, lie 
ro.se at once to a conspicuous position as an active 
and useful legislator. 

In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the 
Pre.sidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected 
to the Senate. He had been from the beginning 
a determined opposer of the administration, adopt- 
ing the "State Rights'" view in opjiosition to what 
was deemed the I-'ederal proclivities of Mr. Adams. 

Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governor 
of the State of New York, and accordingly resigned 
his seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the 
United States contributed so much towards eject- 
ing John Q. Adams from the Presidential chair, 
and placing in it Andrew Jackson, as did Martin 
Van Buren. Whether entitled to the reputation 
or not, he certainly was regarded throughout the 
United vStates as one of the most skillful, .sagacious 
and cunning of politicians. It was .suppo.sed that 
no one knew so well as he how to touch the secret 
springs f)f action, how to pull all the wires to 
put his machinery in motion, and how to organize 
a pf)litical arni\ which would secretly and stealth- 
ily accomplish the mo.st gigantic results. By tlie.se 
powers it is said that he outwitted Mr. Adams, Mr. 
Clay, and Mr. Webster, and .secured results which 
few then thought could be accomplished. 

When Andrew Jackson was elected President 
he appointed Mr. \'an Buren Secretary of State. 
This position he resigned in i.S^i, anil was im- 
mediately appointed Minister to luigland, where 
he went the same autumn. The Senate, however, 



when it met, refu.sed to ratify the nomination, and 
he returned home, apjiarently untroubled. Later 
he was nominated \'ice- President in the place of 
Calhoun, at the re-election of President Jackson, 
and with smiles for all and frowiis for none, he 
took his place at the head of that Senate which had 
refused to confirm his nomination as ambassador. 

His rejection by thevSenate rou.sed all the zeal 
of President Jackson in lx:half of his repudiated 
favorite; and this, probably, more than any other 
cau.se .securetl his elevation to the chair of the 
Chief Executive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. 
\'an Buren received the Democratic nomination 
to succeed Gen. Jackson as President of the I'nited 
States. He was elected by a handsome majority, 
to the delight of the retiring President. ' 'Leaving 
New York out of the canva.ss," says Mr. Parton, 
"the election of Mr. Wan Buren to the Presidency 
was as much the act of Gen. Jackson as though 
the Constitution had conferred up( m hini the power 
to appoint a .successor." 

His administration was filled with exciting 
events. The insurrection in Canada, which 
threatened to involve this country in war with 
England, the agitation of the slavery question, 
and finally the great commercial panic which 
spread over the countr\-, all were trials <jf his wis- 
dom. The financial distress was attributed to 
the management of the Democratic party, and 
brought the President into such disfavor that he 
failed of re-election, and on the 4th of March, 
1841, he retired from the presidency. 

With the exception of being nominated for the 
Presidency by the "P'reeSoil" Democrats in 1848, 
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until 
his death. Me had ever been a prudent man, of 
frugal habits, and, living within his income, had 
now fortunately a comiK-teiicc for his declining 
years. From his fine estate at Lindeiiwald, he 
still exerted a powerftil influence ujxin the ]>olitics 
of the countr\'. From this time until his death, 
on the 24111 of July, 1862, at the age of eighty 
years, he resided at Lindeiiwald, a gentleman of 
leisure, of culture and wealth, enjoying in a 
healthy old age ])robably far more hapi)ine.ss than 
he had before experienced amid the .stormy .scenes 
of his active life. 




/cJ' //- //a^-z^^t^fr^' 



WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 




|II.UAM HENRY HARRISON, the ninth 
President of the United States, was born 
at Berkeley, Va., February 9, 1773. His 
father, Benjamin Harrison, was in comparatively 
opulent circumstances, and was one of the most 
distinguished men of his day. He was an inti- 
mate friend of George Washington, was early 
elected a member of the Continental Congress, 
and was conspicuous among the patriots of Vir- 
ginia in resisting the encroachments of the British 
crown. In the celebrated Congress of 1775, Ben- 
jamin Harrison and John Hancock were' both 
candidates for the office of Speaker. 

Mr. Harrison was suhsequentlj- chosen Gov- 
ernor of Virginia, and was twice re-elected. His 
son William Henrj', of course, enjoyed in child- 
hood all the advantages which wealth and intel- 1 
lectual and cultivated society could give. Hav- j 
ing received a thorough common-school educa- ' 
tion, he entered Hampden Sidney College, where 
he graduated with honor soon after the death of 
his father. He then repaired to Philadelphia to 
study medicine under the instructions of Dr. -Rush 
and the guardianship of Robert Morris, both of 
whom were, with his father, signers of the Dec- 
laration of Independence. 

Upon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and 
notwithstanding the remonstrances of his friends, 
he abandoned his medical studies and entered the 
army, having obtained a commission as Ensign 
from President Washington. He was then but 
nineteen years old. From that time he passed I 
gradually upward in rank until he became aide 
to Gen. Wayne, after whose death he resigned 
his commis.sion. He was then appointed Secre- 
tary of the Northwestern Territory. This Terri- 
tory was then entitled to but one member in Con- 



, gress , and Harrison was chosen to fill that position. 
J In the spring of 1800 the Northwestern Terri- 
tory was divided by Congress into two portions 
I The eastern portion, comprising the region now 
embraced in the State of Ohio, was called "The 
I Territory northwest of the Ohio." The western 
portion, which included what is now called Indi- 
ana, Illinois and Wisconsin, was called "the Indi- 
ana Territory." William Henry Harrison, then 
twenty -seven years of age, was appointed by John 
Adams Governor of the Indiana Territory, and 
immediately after also Governor of Upper Loui- 
siana. He was thus ruler over almost as exten- 
sive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. 
He was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and 
was invested with powers nearly dictatorial over 
the then rapidly increasing white population. The 
ability and fidelity with which he discharged 
these responsible duties may be inferred fromihe 
fact that he was four times appointed to this 
office— first by John Adams, twice by Thomas 
Jefferson, and aftenvards by President Madison. 

When he began his administration there were 
but three white settlements in that almost bound- 
less region, now crowded with cities and resound- 
ing with all the tumult of wealth and traffic. 
One of these settlements was on the Ohio, nearly 
opposite Louisville; one at Vincennes, on the 
Wabash; and the third was a French settlement. 
The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison 
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. 
About the year 1806, two extraordinary men, 
twin brothers of the Shawnee tribe, rose among 
them. One of these was called Tecumseh, or 
"the Crouching Panther;" the other Olliwa- 
checa, or "the Prophet." Tecumseh was not 
only an Indian warrior, but a man of great sagac- 



52 



WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 



ity, far-reacbiiig foresight and indomitable perse- 
verance in any enterprise in which he might en- 
gage. His brother, the Prophet, was an orator, 
who could sway the feelings of the untutored In- 
dians as the gale to.ssed the tree-tops beneath 
which they dwelt. With an enthusiasm unsur- 
passed by Peter the Hermit rousing Europe to the 
crusades, he went from tribe tf) trilK', a.ssuming 
that he was .speciall>' sent by the Great Spirit. 

Gov. Harrison made many attempts to con- 
ciliate the Indians, but at last war came, and at 
Tippecanoe the Indians were routed with great 
slaughter. October 2.S, i8 12, his army began its 
march. When near the Projjhefs town, three 
Indians of rank made their appearance and in- 
quired why Gov. Harrison was approaching them 
in so hostile an attitude. After a short confer- 
ence, arrangements were made for a meeting the 
next day to agree upon terms of peace. 

But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted 
witli the Indian character to be deceived by such 
protestations. Selecting a favorable .spot for his 
night's encampment, he took every precaution 
against suq)rise. His troops were posted in a 
hollow square and slept upon their arms. The 
wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock 
in the morning, had risen, and was sitting 
in conversation with his aides by the embers 
of a waning fire. It was a chill, cloudy morning, 
with a drizzling rain. In the darkness, the In- 
dians had crept as near as possible, and just then, 
with a savage yell, rushed, with all the despera- 
tion which superstition and passion most highl\- 
inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the 
little army. The savages had been amply pro- 
vided with guns and amnuniition by the ICnglish, 
and their war-whoop was accompanied by a 
shower of bullets. 

The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as 
the light aided the Indians in their aim, and 
Gen. Harrison's troops .stood as innnovable as 
the rocks around them until day dawned, when 
they made a .sinuiltaneous charge with the bayo- 
net and swept everything before them, completely 
routing the foe. 

Gov. Harriso!! now had all his energies tasked 
to the utmost. The British, descending from the 



Canadas, were of themselves a ver\- formidable 
force, but with their savage allies rushing like 
wolves from the forest, burning, plundering, scalp- 
ing torturing, the wide frontier was plunged into 
a state of consternation which even the mo.st vivid 
imagination can but faintly conceive. Gen. Hull 
had made an ignominious surrender of his forces at 
Detroit. Under the.se despairing circum.stances, 
Gov. Harrison was apjx)inted by President Madi- 
son Commander-in-Chief of the Northwestern 
Army, with orders to retake Detroit and to protect 
the frontiers. It would be difficult to place a man 
in a situation demanding more energy, sagacity 
and courage, but he was found etiual to the 
position, and nobly and triumphantly did he meet 
all the responsibilities. 

In 1816, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member 
of the National House of Repre.sentatives, to rep- 
resent the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved 
an active member, and whenever he sjxjke it was 
with a force of rea,son and power of eloquence 
which arrested the attention of all the members. 

In 18 19, Harrison was elected to the Senate of 
Ohio, and in 1824, as one of the Presidential Elec- 
tors of that State, he gave his vote for Henry 
Clay. The .same year he was chosen to the I'ni- 
ted States Senate. In 1836 his friends brought 
him forward as a candidate for the Presidency 
against Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the 
clo.se of Mr. \'an Buren's term, he was re-nom- 
inated by his party, and Mr. Harrison wasunani- 
mou.sly nominated by the Whigs, with John Tyler 
for the Vice- Presidency. The contest was very 
animated. Gen. Jackson gave all his influence to 
prevent Harrison's election, but his triumph was 
signal. 

The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Web- 
.ster at its head as Secretary of State, was one of 
the most brilliant with wliich any President iiad 
ever been surrounded. Never were the prospects 
of an administration more flattering, or the hopes 
of the country more .sanguine. In the midst of 
these bright and joyous prospects. Gen. Harrison 
was seized by a pleurisy-fever, and after a few 
days of violent sickness died, on the 4th of April, 
just one month after his inauguration as President 
of the United States. 



JOHN TYLER. 



(John TYLER, the tenth President of the 
I United States, and was born in Charles 
Q) Citj' County, Va., March 29, 1790. He was 
the favored child of affluence and high social po- 
sition. At the early age of twelve, John entered 
William and Mary College, and graduated with 
much honor when but seventeen years old. After 
graduating, he devoted himself with great assi- 
duity to the study of law, partly with his father 
and partly with Edmund Randolph, one of the 
most distinguished lawyers of Virginia. 

At nineteen years of age, he commenced the 
practice of law. His success was rapid and as- 
tonishing. It is said that three months had not 
elapsed ere there was scarcely a case on the 
docket of the court in which he was not retained. 
When but twenty-one years of age, he was almost 
unanimously elected to a seat in the State Legis- 
lature. He connected himself with the Demo- 
cratic part}', and warmly advocated the measures 
of Jefferson and Madison. For five successive 
years he was elected to the Legislature, receiving 
nearly the unanimous vote of his county. 

When but twenty-six years of age, he was 
elected a Member of Congress. Here he acted ear- 
nestly and ably with the Democratic party, oppos- 
ing a national bank, internal improvements by 
the General Government, and a protective tariif; 
advocating a strict construction of the Constitu- 
tion and the most careful vigilance over State 
rights. His labors in Congress were so arduous 
that before the close of his second term he found 
it necessary to resign and retire to his estate in 
Charles City County to recruit his health. He, 
however, soon after consented to take his seat in 
the State Legislature, where his influence was 
powerful in promoting public works of great 
utility. With a reputation thus constantly in- 
creasing, he was chosen by a verj' large majority 
of votes Governor of his native State. His ad- 
ministration was a signallj- successful one, and his 
popularity secured his re-election. 



John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed 
man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of 
the United States. A portion of the Democratic 
party was displeased with Mr. Randolph's way- 
ward course, and brought forward John Tyler as 
his opponent, considering him the only man in 
Virginia of sufficient popularity to succeed 
against the renowned orator of Roanoke. Mr. 
Tyler was the victor. 

In accordance with his professions, upon tak- 
ing his seat in the Senate he joined the ranks of 
the opposition. He opposed the tariff, and spoke 
against and voted against the bank as unconsti- 
tutional; he strenuously opposed all restrictions 
upon slavery, resisting all projects of internal im- 
provements by the General Government, and 
avowed his sympathy with Mr. Calhoun's view 
of nullification; he declared that Gen. Jackson, 
by his opposition to the nulhfiers, had abandoned 
the principles of the Democratic party. Such 
was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress — a record in 
perfect accordance with the principles which he 
had always avowed. 

Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice 
of his profession. There was a split in the Demo- 
cratic party. His friends still regarded him as a 
true Jeffersonian, gave him a dinner, and show- 
ered compliments upon him. He had now at- 
tained the age of forty-six, and hiis career had been 
verj' brilliant. In consequence of his devotion to 
public business, his private affairs had fallen into 
some disorder, and it was not without satisfac- 
tion that he resumed the practice of law, and de- 
voted himself to the cultivation of his plantation. 
Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, for 
the better education of his children, and he again 
took his seat in the Legislature of Virginia. 

By the southern Whigs he was sent to the 
national convention at Harrisburg in 1839 to nom- 
inate a President. The majority of votes were 
given to Gen Harrison, a genuine Whig, much 
to the disappointment of the South, which wished 



56 



JOHN TYLER. 



for Henry Clay. To conciliate the southern 
Whigs and to secure their vote, the convention 
tlien nominated John Tyler for \'ice- President. 
It was well known that he was not in sympathy 
witli the Wliig party in the North: hut the Vice- 
I'resident has ver>- little jxjwer in the Govern- 
ment, his main and almost only duty being to 
preside over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it 
happened that a Whig President and, in reality, 
a Democratic X'ice-President were chosen. 

In 1 84 1, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice- 
President of the United States. In one short 
month from that time, President Harrison died, 
and Mr. Tyler thus found himself, to his own 
surpri.se and that of the whole nation, an occu- 
pant of the Presidential chair. Hastening from 
Williamsburg to Washington, on the 6th of 
April he was inaugurated to the high and re- 
.sponsible office. He was placed in a position of 
exceeding delicacy and difficulty. All his long 
life he had been opposed to the main principles of 
the party which had brought him into power. 
He had ever been a consistent, honest man, with 
an unblemished record. Gen. Harrison had se- 
lected a Whig cabinet. Should he retain them, 
and thus surround himself with counselorswho.se 
views were antagonistic to his own ? or, on the 
other hand, .should he turn against the part\- 
which had elected him. and select a cabinet in 
iiarmony with himself, and which would oppose 
all those views which the Whigs deemed essen- 
tial to the jiublic welfare? This was his fearful 
dilemma. He invited the cabinet which Presi- 
dent Harrison had selected to retain their seats, 
and recommended a day of fasting and prayer, 
that God would guide and bless us. 

The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for 
the incoriioration of a fiscal bank of the United 
States. The President, after ten days' delay, re- 
turned it with his veto. He suggested, however, 
that he would approve of a bill drawn uji upon 
such a plan as he proposed. Such a hill was ac- 
cordingly prepared, and privatel\- submitted to 
him. He gave it his approval. It was pa.ssed 
without alteration, and he .sent it l)ack with his 
veto. Here commenced the open rupture. It is 
said that Mr. Tyler was i)rov<)kG(l In this meas- 



ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M. 
Hotts, a distinguished \'irginia Whig, who se- 
verely touched the pride of the President. 

The opposition now exultingly received the 
Pre.sident into their anns. The party which 
elected him denounced him bitterly. All the 
members of his cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, 
resigned. The Whigs of Congress, lx)th the 
Senate and the Hou.se, held a meeting and issued 
an address to the people of the United States, 
proclaiming that all political alliance iK-tween the 
Whigs and President Tyler was at an end. 

Still the President attempted to conciliate. He 
appointed a new cabinet of distinguished Whigs 
ancl Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong 
party men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary 
to resign, forced out by the pressure of his Whig 
friends. Thus the four years of Mr. Tyler's un- 
fortunate administration passed sadly away. No 
one was sati.sfied. The land was filled with mur- 
murs and vituperation. Whigs and Democrats 
alike assailed him. More and more, however, he 
brought him.self into sympathy with his old 
friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his 
term he gave his whole influence to the support 
of Mr. Polk, the Democratic candidate for his 
successor. 

On the 4th of March, 1845, President Tyler re- 
tired from the harassments of office, to the regret 
of neither party, and probably to his own un.speak- 
able relief. The remainder of his days were 
pa.ssed mainl\' in the retirement of his beautiful 
home — Sherwood Forest, Charles City County, 
Va. His first wife. Miss Letitia Christian, died 
in Washington in 1842: and in June. 1844, 
he was again married, at New York, to Miss Julia 
Gardiner, a young lady of many personal and 
intellectual accomi>lishments. 

When the great Rebellion rose, which the 
State Rights and nullifying doctrines of John C. 
Calhoun had inaugurated. President Tyler re- 
nounced his allegiance to the United States, and 
joined the Confederates. He was chosen a mem- 
ber of their Congress, and while engaged in 
active measures to destroy, by force of arms, the 
Government over which he had once presided, he 
was taken sick and soon died. 




•S--'^^^— -^C-^ OC^ ,:JpC^ 



-^ 



JAMES K. POLK. 



HAMES K. polk, the eleventh President of 
I the United States, was born in Mecklenburgh 
C2/ County, N. C. , November 2, 1795. His 
parents were Samuel and Jane (Knox) Polk, the 
former a son of Col. Thomas Polk, who located 
at the above place, as one of the first pioneers, in 
1735. In 1806, with his wife and children, and 
soon after followed by most of the members of the 
Polk family, Samuel Polk emigrated some two or 
three hundred miles farther west, to the rich val- 
ley of the Duck River. Here, in the midst of the 
wilderness, in a region which was subsequently 
called Maurv- County, they erected their log huts 
and established their homes. In the hard toil of 
a new farm in the wilderness, James K. Polk 
spent the early years of his childhood and youth. 
His father, adding the pursuit of a surveyor to 
that of a farmer, gradually increased in wealth, ' 
until he became one of the leading men of the 
region. His mother was a superior woman, of 
strong common sense and earnest pietj-. 

Very early in life James developed a taste for 
reading, and expressed the strongest desire to ob- 
tain a liberal education. His mother's training 
had made him methodical in his habits, had taught 
him punctuality and industry, and had inspired 
him with lofty principles of morality. His health 
was frail, and his father, fearing that he might not 
be able to endure a sedentary life, got a .situation 
for him behind the counter, hoping to fit him for 
commercial pursuits. 

This was to James a bitter disappointment. He 
had no taste for these duties, and his daih- tasks 
were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this 
uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when, 
at his earnest solicitation, his father removed 
him and made arrangements for him to pros- 
ecute his studies. Soon after he sent him to Mur- 
freesboro Academy. With ardor which could 
scarcel}' be surpassed, he pressed forward in his 



studies, and in less than two and a-half years, in 
the autumn of 1S15, entered the sophomore class 
in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel 
Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of 
scholars, punctual in every exerci.se, never allow- 
ing himself to be ab.sent from a recitation or a 
religious sen-ice. 

Mr. Polk graduated in 18 18, with the highest 
honors, being deemed the best scholar of his class, 
both in mathematics and the classics. He was 
then twenty-three years of age. His health was 
at this time much impaired by the assiduity with 
which he had prosecuted his studies. After a 
.short .season of relaxation, he went to Nashville, 
and entered the office of Felix Grundy, to study 
law. Here Mr. Polk renewed his acquaintance 
with Andrew Jackson, who resided on his planta- 
tion, the ' ' Hermitage, ' ' but a few miles from 
Nashville. They had probabh- been slightly ac- 
quainted before. 

Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican 
and James K. adhered to the .same political faith. 
He was a popular public speaker, and was con- 
stantly called upon to address the meetings of his 
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such 
that he was popularly called the Napoleon of the 
.stump. He was a man of unblemished morals, 
genial and courteous in his bearing, and with that 
sympathetic nature in the joys and griefs of oth- 
ers which gave him hosts of friends. In 1823, 
he was elected to the Legislature of Tennessee, 
and gave his strong influence toward the election 
of his friend, Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of 
the United States. 

Injanuar>% 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah 
Childress, of Rutherford County, Tenn. His 
bride was altogether worthy of him — a ladj- of 
beauty and culture. In the fall of 1825 Mr. Polk 
was chosen a member of Congress, and the satis- 
faction he gave his constituents may be inferred 



6o 



JAMES K. POLK. 



from the fact, that for fourteen sucx:essive years, 
or until 1839, hu was continued in that office. He 
then vohnitarily withdrew, only that he might 
accept the Gubernatorial chair of Tennessee. In 
Congress he was a laborious member, a frequent 
and a popular speaker. He was always in his 
seat, always courteous, and whene\er he spoke 
it was always to the point, without any ambitious 
rhetorical display. 

During five sessions of Congress Mr. Polk was 
Speaker of the House. Strong passions were 
roused and stormj- scenes were witnessed, but he 
performed his arduous duties to a very general 
satisfaction, and a unanimous vote of thanks to 
him was passed by the House as he withdrew on 
the 4th of March, 1839. 

In accordance with Southern u.sage, Mr. Polk, 
as a candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. 
He was elected by a large majority, and on Octo- 
ber 14, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. 
In 1841 his tenn of office expired, and he was 
again the candidate of the Democratic party, but 
was defeated. 

On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was in- 
augurated President of the United States. The 
verdict of the country in favor of the annexation 
of Texas exerted its influence upon Congress, 
and the last act of the administration of President 
Tyler was to affix his signature to a joint resolu- 
tion of Congress, passed on the 3d of March, ap- 
proving of the annexation of Texas to the Union. 
As Mexico .still claimed Texas as one of her 
provinces, the Mexican Minister, Almonte, im- 
mediately demanded his passports and left the 
country, declaring the act of the annexation to be 
an act hostile to Mexico. 

In his first message. President Polk urged that 
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be 
received into the Union on the .same footing with 
the other States. In the mean lime, Gen. Taylor 
was sent with an army into Texas to hold the 
country. He was first sent to Nueces, which the 
Mexicans said was the western boundary of Tex- 
as. Then he was .sent nearly two hundred miles 
further west, to the Rio Grande, where he erected 
batteries which commanded tlie Mexican city of 
Matamoras, which was situated on tlie western 



banks. The anticipated collision soon took place, 
and war was declared against Mexico by President 
Polk. The war was pushed forward by his ad- 
ministration with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, 
whose ami)' was first called one of ' ' obsers'ation, ' ' 
then of "occupation," then of "invasion," was 
sent forward to Monterey. The feeble Mexicans 
in every encounter were hopelessly slaughtered. 
The day of judgment alone can reveal the misery 
which this war caused. It was by the ingenuity 
of Mr. Polk's administration that the war was 
brought on. 

"To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico 
was prostrate before us. Her capital was in our 
hands. We now consented to peace upon the 
condition that Mexico should surrender to us, in 
addition to Texas, all of New Mexico, and all of 
Upper and Lower California. This new demand 
embraced, exclusive of Texas, eight hundred 
thou.sand square miles. This was an extent of 
territory equal to nine States of the size of New 
York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen ma- 
jestic States to be added to the Union. There 
were some Americans who thought it all right; 
there were others who thought it all wrong. In 
the prosecution of this war we expended twenty 
thousand lives and more than $100,000,000. Of 
this money 515.000,000 were paid to Mexico. 

On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired 
from office, having ser\-ed one term. The next 
day was Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was 
inaugurated as his succes.sor. Mr. Polk rode to 
the Capitol in the same carriage with Gen. Tay- 
lor, and the same evening, with Mrs. Polk, he 
commenced his return to Tcnnes.see. He was 
then but fifty-four jears of age. He had always 
been strictly temperate in all his hal)its, and his 
health was good. With an amjile fortune, a 
choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic 
ties of the dearest nature, it .seemed as though 
long years of tranquillity and happiness were be- 
fore him. But the cholera — that fearful scourge 
— was then .swcejiing up the Valley of the Mi.ssis- 
sippi, and he contracted the disease, dying on the 
15th of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth year of his 
age, greatly mourned by his countrymen. 




h-^ 




^?t^' 



ZACHARY TAYLOR. 



^ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth President of 
j. the United States, was born on the 24th of 
/J November, 1784, in Orange County, Va. 
His father. Col. Taylor, was a Virginian of 
note, and a distinguished patriot and soldier of 
the Revolution. When Zachary was an infant, 
his father, with his wife and two children, emi- 
grated to Kentucky, where he settled in the path- 
less wilderness, a few miles from Louisville. In 
this frontier home, away from civilization and all 
its refinements, young Zachary could enjoy but 
few social and educational advantages. When 
six j'cars of age he attended a common school, 
and was then regarded as a bright, active boy, 
rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of 
character. He was strong, fearless and self-reli- 
ant, and manifested a strong desire to enter the 
army to fight the Indians, who were ravaging the 
frontiers. There is little to be recorded of the 
uneventful years of his childhood on his father's 
large but lonely plantation. 

In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for 
him a commission as Lieutenant in the United 
States armj\ and he joined the troops which were 
stationed at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. 
Soon after this he married Miss Margaret Smith, 
a young lady from one of the first families of 
Maryland. 

Immediately after the declaration of war with 
England, in 1812, Capt. Taylor (for he had then 
been promoted to that rank) was put in command 
of Ft. Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles 
above Vincennes. This fort had been built in the 
wilderness hy Gen. Harrison, on his march to 
Tippecanoe. It was one of the first points of at- 
tack by the Indians, led by Tecumseh. Its garri- 
son con.sisted of a broken company of infantry, 
numbering fifty men, many of whom were sick. 

Early in the autumn of 181 2, the Indians, 
stealthily, and in large numbers, moved upon the 



fort. Their approach was first indicated by the 
murder of two soldiers just outside of the stockade. 
Capt. Taylor made every possible preparation to 
meet the anticipated assault. On the 4th of Sep- 
tember, a band of forty painted and plumed sav- 
ages came to the fort, waving a white flag, and 
informed Capt. Taylor that in the morning their 
chief would come to have a talk with him. It 
was evident that their object was merely to ascer- 
tain the state of things at the fort, and Capt. 
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, 
kept them at a distance. 

The sun went down; the savages disappeared; 
the garrison slept upon their arms. One hour 
before midnight the war-whoop burst from a 
thousand lips in the forest around, followed by 
the discharge of musketry and the rush of the 
foe. Every man, sick and well, sprang to hi 
post. Every man knew that defeat was not 
merely death, but, in the ca.se of capture, death by 
the most agonizing and prolonged torture. No 
pen can describe, no imagination can conceive, the 
scenes which ensued. The savages succeeded in 
setting fire to one of the block-houses. Until six 
o'clock in the morning this awful conflict con- 
tinued, when the savages, baffled at every point 
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. 
Capt. Taylor, for this gallant defense, was pro- 
moted to the rank of Major by brevet. 

Until the clo.se of the war, Maj. Taylor was 
placed in such situations that he saw but little 
more of active ser\-ice. He was sent far away 
into th^ depths of the wilderness to Ft. Craw- 
ford, on Fox River, which empties into Green 
Bay. Here there was little to be done but to 
wear away the tedious hours as one best could. 
There were no books, no societ)-, no intellectual 
stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful years 
rolled on. Gradually he ro.se to the rank of 
Colonel. In the Black Hawk War, which re- 



64 



ZACHARY TAYLOR. 



suited in the capture of that renowned chieftain, 
Col. Taylor took a subordinate, but a brave and 
eflicient, part. 

For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged 
in the defense of the frontiers, in scenes so re- 
mote,, and in eniploynicnts so ob.scure, that his 
name was unknown beyond the limits of his own 
immediate acquaintance. In the year 1836, he 
was sent to Florida to compel the Seminole Indi- 
ans to vacate that region, and retire beyond the 
Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty had prom- 
ised they should do. The services rendered here 
secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of 
the Goveriuneiit, and as a reward he was ele- 
vated to the high rank of Brigadier- General by 
brevet, and soon after, in May, 1838, was ap- 
pointed to the chief command of the United 
States troops in Florida. 

After two years of wearisome employment 
amid.st the everglades of the Peninsula, Gen. Tay- 
lor obtained, at his own request, a change of 
conmiand, and was stationed over the Department 
of the Southwest. This field embraced Louisiana, 
Mi.ssissippi, Alabama and Georgia. Kstablishing 
his headquarters at Ft. Je.ssup, in Louisiana, he 
removed his family to a plantation which he i>ur- 
chased near Haton Rouge. Here he remained 
for five years, buried, as it were, from the world, 
but faithfully discharging every duty imposed 
u]ion him. 

In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the 
land Ijetween the Nueces and Rio Grande, the 
latter river being the boundary of Texas, which 
was then claimed by the United State.s. Soon 1 
the war with Mexico was brought on, and at Palo 
Alto and Rcsaca de la Palma, Gen. Taylor won 
brilliant victories over the Mexicans. The rank 
of Major-General by brevet was then conferred 
upon Gen. Taylor, and his name was received 
with enthu.siasm almost everywhere in the na- 
tion. Then came the battles of Monterey and 
Buena Vi.sta, in which he won signal victories 
over forces nuich larger than he conunanded. 

The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena 
Vista spread the wildest enthusiasm over the 
country. The name of Gen. Taylor was on 
every one's lips. The Whig party deciiled to 



take advantage of this wonderful popularity in 
bringing forward the unpolished, unlettered, hon- 
est soldier as their candidate for the Presidency. 
Gen. Taylor was astonished at the announce- 
ment, and for a time would not listen to it, de- 
claring that he was not at all qualified for such 
an office. So little interest had he taken in poli- 
tics, that for forty >-ears he had not cast a vote. 
It was not without chagrin that several distin- 
guished statesmen, who had been long years in 
the public .service, found their claims set aside in 
behalf of one whose name had never been heard 
of, save in connection with Palo Alto, Resaca de 
la Palma, Monterey and Buena Vista. It is said 
that Daniel Webster, in his haste, remarked, " It 
is a nomination not fit to be made." 

Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a 
fine writer. His friends took possession of him, 
and prepared such few communications as it was 
needful should be presented to the public. The 
popularity of the successful warrior swept the 
land. He was triumphantly elected over two 
opposing candidates, — Gen. Ca.ss and Ex-Presi- 
dent Martin \'an Buren. Though he selected an 
excellent cabinet, the good old man found himself 
in a very uncongenial position, and was at times 
sorely perplexed and hara.s.sed. His mental suf- 
ferings were very severe, and probablj' tended to 
hasten his death. The pro-.slavery party was 
pushing its claims with tireless energy; expedi- 
tions were fitting out to capture Cuba; California 
was pleading for admission to the I'nion. while 
slavery stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. 
Taylor found the political conflicts in Wasliington 
to be far more trying to the nerves than battles 
with Mexicans or Indians. 

In the midst of all these troubles. Gen. Taylor, 
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but 
little over a year, took cold, and after a l)rief 
sickne.ss of but little over five days, died, on the 
9th of Julj', 1850. His last words were, " I am 
not afraid to die. I am ready. I have endeav- 
ored to do my duty." He died universally re- 
spected and beloved. An honest, unpretending 
man, he had been steadily growing in the affec- 
tions of the people, and the Nation bitterly la- 
mented his ileatli. 





Crxi^O ^ ^^■C^!^ix.^rtJ) 



MILLARD FILLMORE. 



y^ ILLARD FILLMORE, thirteenth President 
y of the United States, was born at Summer 
tJ Hill, Cayuga County, N. Y., on the yth of 
January, 1800. His father was a farmer, and, ownig 
to misfortune, in humble circumstances. Of his 
mother, the daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard, of 
Pittsfield, Mass., it has been said that she pos- 
sessed an intellect of a high order, united with 
much personal loveliness, sweetness of disposi- 
tion, graceful manners and exquisite sensibilities. 
She died in 1831, having lived to see her son a 
j-oung man of distinguished promise, though she 
was not permitted to witness the high dignity 
which he finally attained. 

In consequence of the secluded home and limited 
means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender 
advantages for education in his early years. The 
common schools, which he occasionally attended, 
were very imperfect institutions, and books were 
scarce and expensi\-e. There was nothing then 
in his character to indicate the brilliant career 
upon which he was about to enter. He was a 
plain farmer's boy — intelligent, good-looking, 
kind-hearted. The sacred influences of home 
had taught him to revere the Bible, and had laid 
the foundations of an upright character. When 
fourteen years of age, his father sent him some 
hundred miles from home to the then wilds of 
Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier. 
Near the mill there was a small village, where 
some enterprising man had commenced the col- 
lection of a village librarj'. This proved an in- 
estimable blessing to young Fillmore. His even- 
ings were spent in reading. Soon every leisure 
moment was occupied with books. His thirst for 
knowledge became insatiate, and the selections 
which he made were continually more elevating 
and instructive. He read history, biography, 
oratorj-, and thus gradually there was enkindled 



in his heart a desire to be something more than a 
mere worker with his hands. 

The young clothier had now attained the age 
of nineteen years, and was of fine personal appear- 
ance and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so hap- 
pened that there was a gentleman in the neigh- 
borhood of ample pecuniary means and of benev- 
olence, — ^Judge Walter Wood, — who was struck 
with the prepossessing appearance of young Fill- 
more. He made his acquaintance, and was so 
much impressed with his ability and attainments 
that he advised him to abandon his trade and de- 
vote himself to the study of the law. The young 
man replied that he had no means of his own, 
no friends to help him, and that his previous edu- 
cation had been verj' imperfect. But Judge Wood 
had so much confidence in him that he kindly 
offered to take him into his own office, and to 
lend him such mone}- as he needed. Most grate- 
fully the generous offer was accepted. 

There is in many minds a strange delusion 
about a collegiate education. A young man is 
supposed to be liberally educated if he has gradu- 
ated at some college. But many a boy who loi- 
ters through university halls and then enters a 
law office is by no means as well prepared to 
prosecute his legal studies as was Millard Fill- 
more when he graduated at the clothing-mill at 
the end of four j'ears of manual labor, during 
which every leisure moment had been devoted to 
intense mental culture. 

In 1823, when twent5'-three years of age, he 
was admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. 
He then went to the village of Aurora, and com- 
menced the practice of law. In this secluded, 
quiet region, his practice, of course, was limited, 
and there was no opportunity for a sudden rise in 
fortune or in fame. Here, in 1826, he married a 
lad)- of great moral worth, and one capable of 



r>8 



MIIXARD FIU.MORE. 



adorning any station she might be called to fill, — 
Miss Abigail Powers. 

His elevation of character, his untiring industrj-, 
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advo- 
cate, gradually attracted attention, and he was 
invitetl to enter into partnership, under highly ad- 
vantageous circumstances, with an elder member 
of the Har in lUiffalo. Just before removing to 
Huflalo, in 1829, he took his seat in the House of 
Assembly of the .State of New York, as a Repre- 
sentative from Erie County. Though he had 
never taken a very active part in politics, his vote 
and sympathies were with the Whig party. The 
State was then Democratic, and he found himself 
in a helpless minority in the Legislature; still the 
testimony comes from all parties that his courtesy, 
ability and integrity won, to a ver>- unusual de- 
gree, the respect of his as.s(Kiates. 

In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a 
.scat in the I'niled States Congress. He entered 
that troubled arena in the most tunniltuous hours 
of our national historj-, when the great conflict 
respecting the national bank and the removal of 
the deposits was raging. 

His term of two years closed, and he returned 
to his profc.s.sion, which he pursued with increas- 
ing reputation and success. After a lapse of two 
years he again became a candidate for Congress; 
was re-elected, and took his seat in 1837. His 
pa*t experience as a Representative gave him 
strength and confidence. Thefirst term of service 
in Congress to any man can Ije but little more 
than an introduction. He was now prepared for 
active duty. All his energies were brought to 
bear upon the public good. P^verj- measure re- 
ceived his impress. 

Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, 
and his popularity filled the State. In the year 
1847, when he had attained the age of forty- 
seven years, he was elected Comptroller of the 
State. His labors at the Bar, in the Legisla- 
ture, in Congress and as Comjitroller, had given 
him ver)- considerable fame. The Whigs were 
casting about to find .suitable candidates for Presi- 
dent and \'ice- President at the approaching elec- 
tion. Far away on the waters of the Rio Grande, 
there was a rough old soldier, who had fought 



one or two successful battles with the Mexicans, 
which had caused his name to be proclaimed in 
trumpet-tones all over the land as a candidate for 
the presidency. But it was necessary toas.sociate 
%vith him on the same ticket some man of repu- 
tation as a statesman. 

Under the influence of these considerations, the 
names of Zachar\- Taylor and Millard Fillmore 
became the rallying-cr>' of the Whigs, as their 
candidates for President and Vice-President. The 
Whig ticket was signally triumphant. On the 
4th of March, 1849, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated 
President, and Millard Fillmore Vice-President, 
of the United States. 

On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor, 
about one year and four months after his inaugura- 
tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the 
Constitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus l>e- 
came President. He appointe<l a ver>' able cabi- 
net, of which the illu.strious Daniel Webster was 
Secretary of State; nevertheless, he had .serious 
difficulties to contend with, since the opposition 
had a majority in both Houses. He did all in his 
power to conciliate the vSouth; but the pro-slavery 
party in the South felt the inadequacy of all 
measures of transient conciliation. The popula- 
tion of the free vStates was so rapidlj- increasing 
over that of the slave States, that it was inevitable 
that the power of the Government should .sixin 
pass into the hands of the free States. The fa- 
mous compromi.se measures were adopted inider 
Mr. Fillmore's administration, and the Japan ex- 
])edition was sent out. On the 4th of March, 
1853, he, having .served one tenn, retired. 

In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the 
Presidency by the "Know-Nothing" party, but 
was beaten by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. 
Fillmore lived in retirement. During the tcrri 
ble conflict of civil war, he was mostly silent. It 
was generally supposed that his .sympathies were 
rather with tho.se who were endeavoring to over- 
throw our institutions. President Fillmore kept 
aloof from the conflict, without any cordial words 
of cheer to one party or the other. He was thus 
forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe old age, 
and died in Bufi"alo, N. V., March 8, 1S74. 




■^-* 



y//r^i^A 




'iz^y 



FRANKLIN PIERCE. 



r"RANKLIN PIERCE, the fourteenth Presi- 
r^ dent of the United States, was bom in Hills- 
I * borough, N. H., November 23, 1804. His 
father was a Revolutionary' soldier, who with his 
own strong arm hewed out a home in the wilder- 
ness. He was a man of inflexible integrity, of 
strong, though uncultivated, mind, and was an un- 
compromising Democrat. The mother of Frank- 
lin Pierce was all that a son could desire — an in- 
telligent, prudent, affectionate, Christian woman. 
Franklin, who was the sixth of eight children, 
was a remarkabl}' bright and handsome boy, 
generous, warm-hearted and brave. He won 
alike the love of old and young. The boys on 
the play-ground loved him. His teachers loved 
him. The neighbors looked upon him with pride 
and affection. He was by instinct a gentleman, 
always speaking kind words, and doing kind 
deeds, with a peculiar, unstudied tact which 
taught him what was agreeable. Without de- 
veloping any precocitj' of genius, or an}' unnatural 
devotion to books, he was a good scholar, and in 
body and mind a finely developed boy. 

When .sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, 
he entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me. 
He was one of the most popular young men in 
the college. The purity of his moral character, 
the unvarj'ing courtesy of his demeanor, his rank 
as a scholar, and genial nature, rendered him a 
universal fa\'orite. There was something pe- 
culiarly winning in his address, and it was evi- 
dently not in the slightest degree studied — it was 
the simple outgushing of his own magnanimous 
and loving nature. 

Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin 
Pierce commenced the .study of law in the office 
of Judge Woodburj', one of the most di.sthigui.shed 



lawyers of the State, and a man of great private 
worth. The eminent social qualities of the young 
lawyer, his father's prominence as a public man, 
and the brilliant political career into which Judge 
Woodbury was entering, all tended to entice Mr. 
Pierce into the fascinating yet perilous path of 
political life. With all the ardor of his nature he 
espoused the cause of Gen. Jackson for the Presi- 
dency. He commenced the practice of law in 
Hillsborough, and was soon elected to represent 
the town in the State L,egislature. Here he 
sen'ed for four years. The last two years he was 
chosen Speaker of the House by a very large 
vote. 

In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was 
elected a member of Congress. In 1837, being 
then but thirty-three years old, he was elected to 
the Senate, taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren 
commenced his administration. He was the 
youngest member in the Senate. In the year 
1834, he married Miss Jane Means Appleton, a 
lady of rare beauty and accomplishments, and one 
admirably fitted to adorn every station with which 
her husband was honored. Of the three sons who 
were born to them, all now sleep with their par- 
ents in the grave. 

In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing 
fame and increasing business as a lawj'er, took up 
his residence in Concord, the capital of New 
Hampshire. President Polk, upon his accession 
to office, appointed Mr. Pierce Attorney-General 
of the United States; but the offer was declined 
in consequence of numerous professional engage- 
ments at home, and the precarious .state of Mrs. 
Pierce's health. He also, about the same time, 
declined the nomination for Governor by the 
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called 



72 



FRANKLIN PIERCE. 



Mr. Pierce into the army. Recei\nnK the appoint- 
ment of lirigadicr-Gcncral, he embarked with a 
portion of his troops at Newport, R 1., on the 
27th of May, 1847. He took an important part 
in lliis war, proviug himself a brave and true sol- 
dier. 

Wlien Gen. Pierce reached hi.s home in his na- 
tive State, he was received enthu.siastically by the 
advocates of the Mexican War, and coldly by his 
opponents. He resumed the practice of his pro- 
fession, very frequently taking an active part in 
political questions, giving his cordial support to 
the pro-slavery wing of the Democratic party. 
The compromi.se measures met cordially with his 
approval, and he strenuouslj- advocated the en- 
forcement of the infamous Fugitive Slave Law, 
which .so shocked the religious sensibilities of the 
North. He thus became distinguished as a 
" Northern man with Southern principles." The 
strong partisans of slavery- in the South conse- 
quently regarded him as a man whom tliej- could 
* safely trust in office to carrj- out their plans. 

On the i2th of June, 1852, the Democratic con- 
vention met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate 
for the Presidency. For four days they contin- 
ued in .session, and in thirtj'-fiveballotings noone 
had obtained a two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus 
far had been thrown for Gen. Pierce. Then the 
Virginia delegation brought forward his name. 
There were fourteen more ballotings, during which 
Gen. Pierce constantly gained strength, until, at 
the forty-ninth ballot, he received two hundred 
and eighty-two votes, and all other candidates 
eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was the Whig can- 
didate. Gen. Pierce w-as chosen with great una- 
nimity. Only four States — Vermont, Mas.sachu- 
setts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their elec- 
toral votes against him. Gen. Franklin Pierce 
was therefore inaugurated President of the United 
States on the 4th of March, 1853. 

His administration proved one of the most 
stormy our country had ever experienced. The 
controversy iK-tween .slaver>- and freedom was 
then approaching its culminating point. It be- 
came evident that there was to be an irrepressible 
conflict between them, and that this nation 
could not long exist " half slave and half free." 



President Pierce, during the whole of his admin- 
istration, did everything he could to conciliate the 
South: but it was all in vain. The conflict ever> 
year grew more violent, and threats of the dis,so- 
lution of the Union were borne to the North on 
ever>- Southern breeze. 

Such was the condition of affairs when Presi- 
dent Pierce approached the close of his four- 
>ears term of office. The North had become 
thoroughly alienated from him. The anti-.slaverj' 
sentiment, goaded by great outrages, had been 
rapidly increasing; all the intellectual ability and 
social worth of President Pierce were forgotten in 
deep reprehension of his administrative acts. The 
slaveholders of the South al.so, unmindful of the 
fidelity with which he had advocated lho.se meas- 
ures of Government which they ajjproved, and 
perhaps feeling that he had rendered himself 
so unpopular as no longer to be able to accepta- 
bly ser\-e them, ungratefully dropped him, and 
nominated James ]}uchanan to succeed him. 

On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re- 
turned to his home in Concord. His three chil- 
dren were all dead, his last surviving child hav- 
ing Ijeen killed before his eyes in a railroad acci- 
dent; and his wife, one of the most estimable and 
accomplished of ladies, was rapidly sinking in 
consumption. The hour of dreadful gloom .soon 
came, and he was left alone in the world without 
wife or child. 

When the terrible Rebellion burst forth which 
divided our country into two parties, and two 
only, Mr. Pierce remained steadfast in the prin- 
ciples which he had always cherished, and gave 
his sympathies to that pro-slaver>- party with 
which he had ever been allied. He declined to 
do anything, either by voice or pen, to strengthen 
the hand of the National Government. He con- 
tinued to reside in Concord until the time of his 
death, which occurred in October, 1869. He was 
one of the most genial and social of men, an hon- 
ored communicant of the Episcopal Church, and 
one of the kindest of neighbors. Generous to a 
fault, he contributed liberally toward the allevia- 
tion of suffering and want, and many of his 
towns-people were often gladdened by his material 
bounty. 





5r-'v5?^^Z/e<y ^{^t/LCl/Z^Xy/l^^yi^^^HP 



I 



J 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 



J' 



[AMES BUCHANAN, the fifteenth President 
of the United States, was born in a small 
frontier town, at the foot of the eastern ridge 
of the Alleghanies, in Franklin County, Pa., on 
the 23d of April, 1791. The place where the 
humble cabin home stood was called Stony Bat- 
ter. His father was a native of the north of Ire- 
land, who had emigrated in 1783, with little prop- 
erty save his own strong arms. Fi\-e >ears after- 
ward he married Elizabeth Spear, the daughter 
of a respectable farmer, and, with his young bride, 
plunged into the wilderness, staked his claim, 
reared his log hut, opened a clearing with his 
axe, and settled down there to perform his obscure 
part in the drama of life. When James was eight 
years of age, his father removed to the village of 
Mercersburg, where his son was placed at school, 
and commenced a course of study in English, 
Latin and Greek. His progress was rapid, and 
at the age of fourteen he entered Dickinson Col- 
lege, at Carlisle. Here he developed remarkable 
talent, and took his stand among the first scholars 
in the institution. 

In the year 1809, he graduated with the high- 
est honors of his class. He was then eighteen 
years of age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, 
fond of athletic sports, an unerring shot, and en- 
livened with an exuberant flow of animal spirits. 
He immediately commenced the study of law in 
the city of Lanca.ster, and was admitted to the 
Bar in 181 2, when he was but twenty-one years 
of age. 

In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a 
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for 
ten years he remained a member of the Eower 
House. During the vacations of Congress, he 



occasionally tried some important case. In 183 1 
he retired altogether from the toils of his profes- 
sion, having acquired an ample fortune. 

Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presi- 
dency, appointed Mr. Buchanan Minister to Rus- 
sia. The duties of his mission he performed 
with ability, and gave satisfaction to all parties. 
Upon his return, in 1833, he was elected to a seat 
in the United States Senate. He there met as 
his associates Webster, Clay, Wright and Cal- 
houn. He advocated the measures proposed by 
President Jackson, of making reprisals against 
France to enforce the payment of our claims 
against that country, and defended the course of 
the President in his unprecedented and wholesale 
removal from office of those who were not the 
supporters of his administration. Upon this 
question he was brought into direct collision with 
Henry Clay. He also, with voice and vote, ad- 
vocated expunging from the journal of the Senate 
the vote of censure against Gen. Jackson for re- 
moving the deposits. Earnestly he opposed the 
abolition of slaverj' in the District of Columbia, 
and urged the prohibition of the circulation of 
anti-slavery documents by the United States 
mails. As to petitions on the subject of slavery, 
he advocated that they should be respectfully re- 
ceived, and that the reply should be returned 
that Congress had no power to legislate upon the 
subject. "Congress," said he, "might as well 
undertake to interfere with slavery under a for- 
eign government as in any of the States where it 
now exists. ' ' 

Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, 
Mr. Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as 
such took his share of the responsibility iu the 



76 



JAMKS BUCHANAN. 



conduct of the Mexican War. Mr. Polk a.ssunie<l 
that crossing tlie Nueces by the American 
troops into the disputed territory was not wrong, 
hut for the Mexicans to cro.ss the Rio Grande 
into Texas was a declaration of war. No candid 
man can read with pleasure the account of the 
course our Government pursued in that movement. 

Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly 
with the party devoted to the perpetuation and 
extension of .slavery, and brought all the energies 
of his mind to bear against the W'ilmot Proviso. 
He gave his cordial approval to the compromi.se 
measures of 1850, which included the Fugitive 
Slave Law. Mr. Pierce, upon his election to the 
Presidency, honored Mr. Buchanan with the mis- 
sion to England. 

In the year 1856, a national Democratic Con- 
vention nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presi- 
dency. The jiolitical conflict was one of the most 
severe in which our country has ever engaged. 
All the friends of slavery were on one side; all 
the advocates of its restriction and final abolition 
on the other. Mr. Fremont, the candidate of the 
enemies of slaven-, received one hundred and 
fourteen electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received 
one hundred and seventy-four, and was elected. 
The popular vote stood 1,340,618 for Fremont, 
1,224,750 for Buchanan. On March 4, 1857, 
the latter was inaugurated. 

Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only 
four years were wanting to fill up his three-score 
years and ten. His own friends, those with 
whom he had been allied in political principles 
and action for years, were seeking the destruc- 
tion of the Government, that they might rear 
upon the ruins of our free institutions a nation 
whose corner-stone .should be human' .slavery. In 
this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly 
bewildered. He could not, with his long-avowed 
principles, consistently oppo.se the State Rights 
party in their a.ssumptions. As President of the 
United .States, tound by his oath faithfully to 
administer the laws, he could not, without per- 
jury of the gros.se.st kind, unite with those en- 
deavoring to overthrow the Republic. He there- 
fore <lid nntliing. 

The opponents (if Mr. Hucli.ni.Tn's .ulininistra- 



tion nominated Abraham Lincoln as their .stand- 
ard bearer in the next Presidential canvass. 
The pro-slaverj' partj- declared that if he were 
elected and the control of the Government were 
thus taken from their hands, they would secede 
from the Union, taking with them as they retired 
the National Capitol at Washington and the 
lion's .share of the territorj- of the I'nited States. 

As the stonn increased in violence, the slave- 
holders claiming the right to secede, and Mr. 
Buchanan avowing that Congress had no power 
to prevent it, one of the most pitiable exhibitions 
of governmental imbecility was exhibited that the 
world has ever seen. He declared that Congress 
had no power to enforce its laws in any State 
which had withdrawn, or which was attempting 
to withdraw, from the Lhiion. This was not the 
doctrine of Andrew Jack.son, when, with his hand 
upon his sword-hilt, he exclaimed: "The Union 
must and shall be presen-ed!" 

South Carolina .seceded in December, i860, 
nearly three months before the inauguration of 
President Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in 
listless despair. The rebel flag was raised in 
Charleston; Ft. Sumter was besieged; our forts, 
navy-yards and arsenals were .seized; our dejxjts 
of military' stores were plundered, and our cus- 
tom-houses and post-offices were appropriated by 
the rebels. 

The energy of the rebels and the nnliecility of 
our Executive were alike marvelous. The na- 
tion looked on in agony, waiting for the slow 
weeks to glide away and clase the administration, 
so terrible in its weakness. At length the long- 
looked-for hour of deli\'erance came, when Abra- 
ham Lincoln was to receive the scepter. 

The administration of President Buchanan was 
certainly the nio.st calamitous our country has ex- 
perienced. His best friends can not recall it with 
pleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his 
fame, that in that dreadful conflict which rolled 
its billows of flame and blood over our whole 
land, no word came from his lips to indicate his 
wish that our country's banner should triumph 
over the flag of the Rebellion. He died at his 
Wheatland retreat, June 1, 1868. 





■fl — ' 




-J-^ 



^^yy^Z^^'^-^-^-rj-i^^ 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN, 



Gl BRAHAM LINCOLN, the sixteenth Presi- 
LA dent of the United States, was born in Hardin 
/ I County, K)'., February 12, 1809. About 
the year 1 7S0, a man by the name of Abraham 
Lincohi left Virginia with his faniil)' and moved 
into the then wilds of Kentucky. Only two years 
after this emigration, and while still a young man, 
he was working one day in a field, when an Indian 
stealthily approached and killed him. His widow 
was left in extreme poverty with five little chil- 
dren, three boys and two girls. Thomas, the 
youngest of the boys, and the father of President 
Abraham Lincoln, was four j^ears of age at his 
father's death. 

When twenty -eight years old, Thomas Lincoln 
built a log cabin, and married Nancy Hanks, the 
daughter of another family of poor Kentuckj- 
emigrants, who had also come from Virginia. 
Their second child was Abraham Lincoln, the sub- 
ject of this sketch. The mother of Abraham was 
a noble woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created 
to adorn a palace, but doomed to toil and pine, and 
die in a hovel. " All that I am, or hope to be," 
exclaimed the grateful son, " I owe to my angel- 
mother. ' ' When he was eight years of age, his 
father sold his cabin and small farm and moved 
to Indiana, where two years later his mother died. 

As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly 
family was the usual lot of humanity. There 
were joys and griefs, weddings and funerals. 
Abraham's sister Sarah, to whom he was tenderly 
attached, was married when a child of but four- 
teen years of age, and soon died. The family 
was gradually scattered, and Thomas Lincoln 
sold out his squatter's claim in 1830, and emi- 
grated to Macon County, 111. 

Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years 
of age. With vigorous hands he aided his father 
in rearing another log cabin, and worked quite 
diligently at this until he saw the family com- 
fortably settled, and their small lot of enclo.sed 
prairie planted with corn, when he announced to 



his father his intention to leave home, and to go 
out into the world and seek his fortune. Little 
did he or his friends imagine how brilliant that 
fortune was to be. He saw the value of educa- 
tion and was intensely earnest to improve his 
mind to the utmost of his power. Religion he 
revered. His morals were pure, and he was un- 
contaminated by a single vice. 

Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired 
laborer among the farmers. Then he went to 
Springfield, where he was employed in building 
a large flat-boat. In this he took a herd of swine, 
floated them down the Sangamon to Illinois, and 
thence by the Mississippi to New Orleans. What- 
ever Abraham Lincoln undertook, he performed 
so faithfully as to give great satisfaction to his 
employers. In this adventure the latter were 
so well pleased, that upon his return they placed 
a store and mill under his care. 

In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk 
War, he enlisted and was chosen Captain of a 
company. He returned to Sangamon County, 
and, although only twenty-three years of age, was 
a candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated. 
He soon after received from Andrew Jackson the 
appointment of Postmaster of New Salem. His 
only post-office was his hat. All the letters he 
received he carried there, ready to deliver to those 
he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and 
soon made this his business. In 1 834 he again 
became a candidate for the Legislature and was 
elected. Mr. Stuart, of Springfield, advised him 
to stud}- law. He walked from New Salem to 
Springfield, borrowed of Mr. Stuart a load of 
books, carried them back, and began his legal 
studies. When the Legislature assembled, he 
trudged on foot with his pack on his back one 
hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In 
1S36 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here 
it was he finst met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 
he removed to Springfield and began the practice 
of law. His success with the jur>- was so great 



^ 



8o 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 



that he was soon engaged in almost everj' noted 
case in the circuit. 

In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr. 
Lincohi and Mr. Douglas on the slaver>' ques- 
tion. In the organization of the Republican party 
in Illinois, in 1856, he took an active part, and at 
once became one of the leaders in that party, j 
Mr. Lincoln's speeches in opposition to Senator 
Douglas in the contest in 1858 for a .seat in the 
Senate, form a most notable part of his history. 
The issue was on the .slavery question, and he 
took the broad ground of the Declaration of In- 
dependence, that all men are created equal. Mr. 
Lincoln was defeated in this contest, but won a 
far higher prize. 

The great Republican Convention met at Chi- 
cago on the 1 6th of June, i860. The delegates 
and strangers who crowded the city amounted to 
twenty-five thousand. An immense building 
called " The Wigwam," was reared to accommo- 
date the convention. There were eleven candi- 
dates for whom votes were thrown. William H. 
Seward, a man whose fame as a .statesman had 
long filled the land, was the most prominent. It 
was generally- sujiposed he would be the nomi- 
nee. Aljraham Lincoln, however, received the 
nomination on the third ballot. 

Election day came, and Mr. Lincoln received 
one hundred and eighty electoral votes out of two 
hundred and three ca.st, and was, therefore, con- 
.stitutionally elected President of the I'nited States. 
The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this 
good and merciful man, especially by the slave- 
holders, was greater than upon any other man 
ever elected to this high position. In February, 
1861, Mr. Lincoln started for Washington, stop- 
ping in all the large cities on his way, making 
speeches. The whole journey was fraught with 
much danger. Many of the Southern States had 
already seceded, and several attempts at as.sassi- 
nation were afterward brought to light. A gang 
in Baltimore had arranged upon his arrival to 
"get up a row," and in the confusif)n to make 
sure of his death with revolvers and hand-gren- 
ades. A detective unravelled the plot. A .secret 
and special train was provided to take him from 
Harrisburg, through Baltimore, at an unexpected j 



hour of the night. The tram .started at half-past 
ten, and to prevent any po.s.sible communicalior 
on the part of the Secessionists with their Con- 
federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train 
had .started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. 
Lincoln reached Washington in .safety and was 
inaugurated, although great anxiety was felt by 
all loyal people. 

In the .selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave 
to Mr. Seward the Department of State, and to 
other prominent opponents Ixifore the convention 
he gave important po.silions; but during no other 
administration had the duties devolving upon the 
President been .so manifold, ai;d the re.sponsihilities 
so great, as those which fell to his lot. Knowing 
this, and feeling his own weakness and inability 
to meet, and in his own .strength to cope with, 
the difficulties, he learned early to seek Divine 
wisdom and guidance in determining his plans, 
and Divine comfort in all his trials, both personal 
and national. Contrary to his own estimate of 
himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the most cour- 
ageous of men. He went directly into the rebel 
capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, with 
no guard but a few sailors. From the time he 
had left Springfield, in 1861, however, plans had 
been made for his assassination, and he at la.st 
fell a victim to one of them. April 14, 1865, he, 
with Gen. Grant, was urgently invited to attend 
Ford's Theatre. It was aimounced that they 
would be present. Gen. Grant, however, left the 
city. President Lincoln, feeling, with his char- 
acteristic kindliness of heart, that it would \)c a 
disappointment if he should fail them, very re- 
luctantly consented to go. While li.stening to 
the play, an actor by the name of John Wilkes 
Booth entered the box where the President and 
family were seated, and fired a bullet into his 
brain. He died the next moniing at seven 
o'clock. 

Ne\'er before in the history of the world was 
a nation plunged into such deep grief by the death 
of its ruler. Strong men met in the .streets and 
wept in speechless anguish. His was a life which 
will fitly Ijecome a model. His name as the 
Savior of his country will live with that of Wash 
ington's, its Father. 





jL^.-Hy'- 




ANDREW JOHNSON. 



Gl NDREW JOHNSON, seventeenth President 
LA of the United States. The early life of An- 
1 I drew Johnson contains but the record of pov- 
ert}-, destitution and friendlessness. He was born 
December 29, 1808, in Raleigh, N. C. His par- 
ents, belonging to the class of "poor whites" 
of the South , were in such circumstances that they 
could not confer even the slightest advantages of 
education upon their child. When Andrew was 
five years of age, his father accidentally lost his 
life, while heroically endeavoring to save a friend 
from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew 
was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by 
the labor of his mother, who obtained her living 
with her own hands. 

He then, having never attended a school one 
day, and being unable either to read or write, was 
apprenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gen- 
tleman was in the habit of going to the tailor's 
shop occasionally, and reading to the boys at 
work there. He often read from the speeches of 
distinguished British statesmen. Andrew, who 
was endowed with a mind of more than ordinarj' 
ability, became much interested in these speeches; 
his ambition was roused , and he was inspired with 
a strong desire to learn to read. 

He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, 
and with the assistance of some of his fellow- 
workmen learned his letters. He then called upon 
the gentleman to borrow the book of speeches. 
The owner, pleased with his zeal, not only gave 
him the book, but assisted him in learning to com- 
bine the letters into words. Under such difficul- 
ties he pressed onward laboriously, spending usu- 
ally ten or twelve hours at work in the shop, and 
then robbing himself of rest and recreation to de- 
vote such time as he could to reading. 

He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at 



Greenville, where he married a young lady who 
posse.s.sed some education. Under her instructions 
he learned to write and cipher. He became 
prominent in the village debating society, and a 
favorite with the students of Greenville College. 
In 1828, he organized a working man's party, 
which elected him Alderman, and in 1830 elected 
him Maj'or, which position he held three years. 

He now began to take a lively interest in 
political affairs, identifying himself with the work- 
ing-class, to which he belonged. In 1835, ^^ 
was elected a member of the House of Represent- 
atives of Tennessee. He was then just twenty- 
seven years of age. He became a very active 
member of the Legislature, gave his support to 
the Democratic party, and in 1840 "stumped the 
State," advocating Martin Van Buren's claims to 
the Presidency, in opposition to those of Gen. 
Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much 
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased 
his reputation. 

In 1 84 1, he was elected State Senator; in 1843, 
he was elected a Member of Congress, and by suc- 
cessive elections held that important post for ten 
years. In 1 853, he was elected Governor of Tenn- 
essee, and was re-elected in 1855. In all these 
responsible positions, he discharged his duties 
with distingui.shed ability, and proved himself the 
warm friend of the working classes. In 1857, Mr. 
Johnson was elected United States Senator. 

Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated 
the annexation of Texas, stating, however, as his 
reason, that he thought this annexation would 
probably prove ' 'to be the gateway out of which 
the sable sons of Africa are to pass from bondage 
to freedom, and become merged in a population 
congenial to themselves." In 1850, he also sup- 
ported the compromise measures, the two essen- 



84 



ANDREW JOHNSON. 



tial features of which were, that the white people 
of the Territories should be perinitteil to decide 
for themselves whether they would enslave the 
colored people or not, and that the free States of 
the North shoukl return to the South persons who 
attempted to escape from slavery. 

Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of his lowly 
origin: on the contrary, he often took pride in 
avowing that he owed his distinction to his own 
exertions. "Sir," said he on the floor of the 
Senate, "I do not forget that I am a mechanic; 
neither do I forget that Adam was a tailor and 
sewed fig-leaves, and that our Savior was the son 
of a carpenter. ' ' 

In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of i860, 
he was the choice of the Tenne.ssee Democrats for 
the Presidency. In 186 1, when the purpose of 
the Southern Democracy became apparent, he took 
a decided stand in favor of the Union, and held 
that "slavery must be held subordinate to the 
Union at whatever cost." He returned to Tenn- 
essee, and repeatedly imperiled his own life to 
protect the Unionists of tliat State. Teinie.ssee 
having seceded from the Union, President Lincoln, 
on March 4, 18(12, appointed him Mililar\- Gov- 
ernor of the State, and he established the most 
stringent military rule. His numerous proclama- 
tions attracted wide attention. In 1S64, he was 
elected Vice-President of the United .States, and 
upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, 1865, 
became President. In a speech two days later he 
said, "The American j)eople nui.st be taught, if 
they do not already feel, that treason is a crime 
and nuistbe punished; that the Government will 
not always bear with its enemies; that it is strong 
not only to protect, but to punish.- * * The 
jjcople must understand that it (trea.son) is the 
blackest of crimes, and will .surely be punished." 
Yet his whole administration, the hi.story of which 
is so well known, was in utter inconsistency with, 
and in the mo.st violent opposition to, the princi- 
ples laid down in that .speech. 

In his loo.se policy of recon.struction and general 
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress, and he 
characterized Congre.ss as a new rebellion, and 
lawlessly defied it in everything |M)ssible to the ut- 
most. In the beginning of 1868, on account of 



"High crimes and misdemeanors," the principal 
of which was the removal of Secretary Stanton in 
violation of the Tenure of Office Act, articles of 
impeachment were preferred against him, and the 
trial began March 23. 

It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three 
months. A test article of the impeachment was 
at length submitted to the court for its action. It 
was certain that as the court voted uixjii that ar- 
ticle so would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices 
pronounced the President guilty. As a two-thirds 
vote was necessary to his condemnation, he was 
pronounced acquitted, notwithstanding the great 
majority against liim. The change of one vote 
from the not guilty side would have sustained the 
impeachment. 

The President, for the remainder of his term, 
was but little regarded. He continued, though 
impotently, his conflict with Congress. His own 
party did not think it expedient to renominate 
him for the Presidency. The Nation rallied with 
enthu.siasm. unparalleled since the days of Wash- 
ington, arouMil the name of Gen. Grant. Andrew 
Johnson was forgotten. The bullet of the assa.ssin 
introduced him to the President's chair. Not- 
withstanding this, never was there presented to a 
man a better opportunity to immortalize his name, 
and to win the gratitude of a nation. He failed 
utterly. He retired to his home in Greenville, 
Tenn., taking no very active part in politics until 
1S75. On January 26, after an exciting struggle, 
he was chosen by the Legislature of Tennessee 
United States Senator in the Forty-fourth Conge.ss. 
and took his seat in that body, at the .special .ses- 
sion convened by President Grant, on the 5th of 
March On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-Presi- 
dent made a visit to his daughter's home, near 
Carter Station, Teini. When he .started on his 
journey, he was apparently in his usual vigorous 
health, but on reaching the residence of his child 
tlie following day, he was stricken with paralysis, 
wliich rendered him unconscious. He rallied oc- 
c.'isionally, but finally pas.sed away at 2 a. m., 
July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His funeral was 
held at Greenville, on the 3d of August, with 
every demonstration of respect. 



i 




i:^^.<.'cyC^ 



ULYSSES S. GRANT. 



HLYSSES S. GRANT, the eighteenth Presi- 
dent of the United States, was born on the 
29th of April, 1822, of Christian parents, in 
a humble home at Point Pleasant, on the banks 
of the Ohio. Shortly after, his father moved to 
Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio. In this re- 
mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses received a common- 
school education. At the age of seventeen, in 
the year 1839, he entered the Military Academy 
at West Point. Here he was regarded as a solid, 
sensible young man, of fair ability, and of sturdy, 
honest character. He took respectable rank as a 
scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated about the 
middle in his class, and was sent as Lieutenant of 
Infantry to one of the distant military posts in the 
Missouri Territory. Two years he passed in these 
dreary solitudes, watching the vagabond Indians. 

The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was 
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His 
first battle was at Palo Alto. There was no 
chance here for the exhibition of either skill or 
heroism, nor at Resaca de la Palma, his second 
battle. At the battle of Monterey, his third en- 
gagement, it is said that he performed a signal 
service of daring and skillful horsemanship. 

At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant 
returned with his regiment to New York, and 
was again .sent to one of the military posts on the 
frontier. The discoverj- of gold in California 
causing an immense tide of emigration to flow to 
the Pacific shores, Capt. Grant was sent with a 
battalion to Ft. Dallas, in Oregon, for the protec- 
tion of the interests of the immigrants. But life 
was wearisome in those wilds, and he resigned 
his commission and returned to the States. Hav- 
ing married, he entered upon the cultivation of a 
small farm near St. Louis, Mo., but having little 



skill as a farmer, and finding his toil not re- 
munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering 
into the leather business, with a younger brother 
at Galena, 111. This was in the year i860. As 
the tidings of the rebels firing on Ft. Sumter 
reached the ears of Capt. Grant in his counting- 
room, he said : ' ' Uncle Sam has educated me 
for the army; though I have served him through 
one war, I do not feel that I have yet repaid the 
debt. I am still ready to discharge my obliga- 
tions. I .shall therefore buckle on my sword and 
see Uncle Sam through this war too." 

He went into the streets, raised a company of 
volunteers, and led them as their Captain to 
Springfield, the capital of the State, where their 
services were offered to Gov. Yates. The Gov- 
ernor, impressed by the zeal and straightforward 
executive ability of Capt. Grant, gave him a de.sk 
in his office to assist in the volunteer organiza- 
tion that was being formed in the State in behalf 
of the Government. On the 15th of June, 1861, 
Capt. Grant received a commission as Colonel of 
the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. 
His merits as a West Point graduate, who had 
served for fifteen years in the regular army, were 
such that he was soon promoted to the rank of 
Brigadier-General, and was placed in command at 
Cairo. The rebels raised their banner at Padu- 
cah, near the mouth of the Tennessee River. 
Scarcely had its folds appeared in the breeze ere 
Gen. Grant was there. The rebels fled, their 
banner fell, and the Stars and Stripes were un- 
furled in its .stead. 

He entered the ser\'ice with great determina- 
tion and immediately began active duty. This 
was the beginning, and until the .surrender of 
Lee at Richmond he was ever pushing the enemy 



88 



ULYSSEvS S. GRANT. 



with great vigor and cficctiveiiess. At Belmont, 
a few (lays later, he surprised and routed the 
ruhtls, then at Ft. Henry won another victory. 
Then came the brilliant fight at Ft. Donelson. 
The nation was electrified by the victory, and the 
brave loader of the boys in blue was immediately 
made a Major-General, and the military district 
of Tennessee was a.ssigned to him. 

Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well 
how to secure the results of victory. He imme- 
diately pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then 
came the terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, 
Corinth, and the siege of \'ick.sburg, where Gen. 
Peml)erton made an unconditional .surrender of 
the city with over thirty thousand men and one 
hundred and .seventy-two cannon. The fall of 
\'icksburg was b>' far the most severe blow which 
the reljels had thus far encountered, and opened 
up the Mi-ssi.ssippi from Cairo to the Gulf. 

Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with 
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro- 
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown 
from his horse, and received severe injuries, from 
which he was laid up for months. He then 
rushed to the aid of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas 
at Chattanooga, and by a wonderful series of 
strategic and tecimical measures put the I'nion 
army in fighting condition. Then followed the i 
bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout Moun- 
tain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels 
were routed with great lu.ss. This won for him i 
unbounded praise in the North. On the 4th of 
F'ebniary, 1864, Congress revived the grade of 
lieutenant-general, and the rank was conferred 
on Gen. Grant. He repaired to Washington to 
receive his credentials and enter upon the duties 
of his new office. 

Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge 
oftheanny to concentrate the widely-disper.sed 
National troops for an attack upon Richmond, i 
the nominal capital of the rebellion, and endeavor 
there to destnn' the reljel armies which would be 
promptly assembled from all quarters for its de- 
fen.se. The whole continent seemed to tremble 
under the tramp of the.se majestic annies, rushing | 
to the decisive battle-field. Steamers were crowd- 1 
ed with troops. Railway trains were burdetied | 



with closely-packeil thousands. His plans were 
comprehensive, and involved a series of cam- 
paigns, which were executetl with remarkable 
energy and ability, and were consummated at the 
surrender of Lee, April 9, 1865. 

The war was ended. The I'nion was saved. 
The almost unanimous voice of the nation de- 
clared Gen. Grant to be the most prominent in- 
.strunient in its .salvation. The eminent services 
he had thus rendered the country brought him 
conspicuously forward as the Republican candi- 
date for the Presidential chair. 

At the Republican Convention held at Chicago, 
May 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated 
for the Presidency, and at the autunni election 
received a majority of the popular vote, and two 
hundred and fourteen out of two hundred and 
ninety-four electoral votes. 

The National Convention of the Republican 
party, which met at Philadelphia on the 5th ol 
June, 11*^72, placed Gen. Grant in nomination for 
a second term bj* a unanimous vote. The .selec- 
tion was emphatically indorsed by the people five 
months later, two hundred and ninety-two elect- 
oral votes being cast for him. 

Soon after the close of his second term, Gen. 
Grant .started upon his famous trip around the 
world. He visited almost every country of the 
civilized world, and was everywhere received 
with such ovations and demonstrations of respect 
and honor, private as well as public and official, 
as were never before bestowed upon any citizen 
of the United States, 

He was the most prominent candidate before 
the Republican National Convention in 1880 for 
a renomination for President. He went to New 
York and embarked in the brokerage bu.siness 
under the firm name of Grant & Ward. The 
latter proved a villain, wrecketl Grant's fortune, 
and for larceny was sent to the penitentiary. 
The General was attacked with cancer in the 
throat, but suffered in his .stoic-like maimer, never 
complaining. He was re-instated as General of 
the Army, and retired by Congress. The cancer 
soon finished its deadly work, and July 23. 1.S85, 
the nation went in inouniing over the death 01 
the illustrious General. 




S^'--^/ 



\li^-t 



RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. 



RUTHERFORD B. HAYES, the nineteenth 
President of the United States, was born in 
Delaware, Ohio, October 4, 1822, almost 
three months after the death of his father, Ruther- 
ford Haj'es. His ancestry on both the paternal and 
maternal sides was of the most honorable char- 
acter. It can be traced, it is said, as far back as 
1280, when Hayes and Rutherford were two 
Scottish chieftains, fighting side by side with 
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert Bruce. Both 
families belonged to the nobility, owned extensive 
estates, and had a large following. Misfortune 
overtaking the family, George Hayes left Scotland 
in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son 
George was born in Windsor, and remained there 
during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, 
married Sarah Eee, and li\-ed from the time of 
his marriage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. 
Ezekiel, son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was 
a manufacturer of scythes at Bradford, Conn. 
Rutherford Hayes, son of Ezekiel and grandfather 
of President Hayes, was born in New Haven, in 
August, 1756. He was a farmer, blacksmith and 
tavern-keeper. He emigrated to Vermont at an 
unknown date, settling in Brattleboro, where he 
established a hotel. Here his son, Rutherford 
Hayes, the father of President Hayes, was born. 
He was married, in September, 18 13, to Sophia 
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ance.stors 
emigrated thither from Connecticut, they having 
been among the wealthiest and best families of 
Norwich. Her ancestry on the male side is 
traced back to 1635, to John Birchard, one of the 
principal founders of Norwich. Both of her grand- 
fathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary War. 

The father of President Hayes was an industri- 
ous, frugal, yet open-hearted man. He was of a 



mechanical turn of mind, and could mend a plow, 
knit a stocking, or do almost anything else that 
he chose to undertake. He was a member of the 
church, active in all the benevolent enterprises 
of the town, and conducted his bu.sinesson Chris- 
tian principles. After the close of the War of 
18 1 2, for reasons inexplicable to his neighbors, he 
resolved to emigrate to Ohio. 

The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day, 
when there were no canals, steamers, or rail- 
ways, was a very serious affair. A tour of in- 
spection was first made, occupying four months. 
Mr. Haj'es decided to move to Delaware, where 
the family arrived in 181 7. He died July 22, 
1822, a victim of malarial fever, less than three 
months before the birth of the son of whom we 
write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore bereavement, 
found the support she so much needed in her 
brother Sardis, who had been a member of the 
household from the day of its departure from 
Vermont, and in an orphan girl, whom she had 
adopted some time before as an act of charity. 

Rutherford was seven years old before he went 
to school. His education, however, was not neg- 
lected. He probably learned as much from his 
mother and sister as he would have done at 
school. His sports were almost wholly within 
doors, his playmates being his sister and her asso- 
ciates. These circumstances tended, no doubt, to 
foster that geiitleness of disposition and that del- 
icate consideration for the feelings of others which 
were marked traits of his character. 

His uncle, Sardis Birchard, took the deepest 
interest in his education; and as the boy's health 
had improved, and he was making good progress 
ill his studies, he proposed to .send him to college. 
His preparation commenced with a tutor at home; 



92 



RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. 



but lie was afterwards sent for one year to a pro- 
fessor in the \\'esle\ an University in Middletown, 
Conn. He entered Kenyon College in 1838, at 
the age of sixteen, and was graduated at the head 
of his class in 1842. 

Immediately after his graduation he began the 
study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow, 
Esq., in Columbus. Finding his opportunities 
for study in Columbus somewhat limited, he de- 
termined to enter the Law School at Cambridge, 
Mass., where he remained two years. 

In 1845, after graduating at the Law School, he 
was admitted to the Bar at Marietta, Ohio, and 
shortly afterward went into practice as an at- 
toruey-at-law with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fre- 
mont. Here he remained three years, acejuiring 
but a limited practice, and apparently unambitious 
of distinction in his profession. 

In 1X49 he moved to Cincinnati, where his am- 
bition found a new stimulus. For several j-ears, 
however, his progress was slow. Two events 
occurring at this period had a powerful influence 
upon his subsequent life. One of these was his 
marriage with Miss Lucy Ware Webb, daughter 
of Dr. James Webb, of Chillicotlie; the other was 
his introduction to the Cincinnati Literary Club, 
a body embracing among its members such men 
as Chief Justice vSalmon P. Clia.se, Gen. John 
Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many others 
hardly less di.stinguished in after life. The mar- 
riage was a fortunate one in every respect, as 
everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of 
our Presidents was more universally admired, 
reverenced and beloved than was Mrs. IIa\ es. and 
no one did more than she to reflect honor upon 
American womanhood. The LiteraryClub brought 
Mr. Hayes into constant association with young 
men of high character and noble aims, and lured 
him to display the qualities so long hidden by his 
baslifiiliiess and modesty. 

In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judge 
of the Court of Common Pleas, but he declined to 
accept the nomination. Two years later, the of- 
fice of City vSolicitor becoming vacant, the City 
Council elected him for the unexpired term. 

In iSfii, when the Rebellion broke out. he was 
at the zenith of his professional life. His rank at 



the Bar was among the first. But the news of 
the attack on Ft. Sumter found him eager to 
take up arms for the defense of his country. 

His military record was bright and illustrious. 
In October, 1861, he was made Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel, and in August, 1862, promoteil Colonel of 
tlie Seventy-ninth Ohio Regiment, but he refused 
to leave his old comrades and go among strangers. 
Subsequently, however, he was made Colonel of 
his old regiment. At the battle of South Moun- 
tain he received a wound, and while faint and 
bleeding di.splayed courage and fortitude that 
won admiration from all. 

Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, 
after his recoverj-, to act as Brigadier-General, 
and placed in command of the celebrated Kanawha 
division, and for gallant and meritorious .services 
in the battles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and 
Cedar Creek, he was promoted Brigadier-General. 
He was also breveted Major-Geiieral, "for gallant 
and distinguished sendees during the campaigns 
of 1864, in West Virginia." In the course of his 
arduous ser\'ices, four horses were shot from un- 
der him, and he was wounded four times. 

In 1S64, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress 
from the Second Ohio Di.strict, which had long 
been Democratic. He was not present during the 
campaign, and after the election was importuned 
to resign his comniis.sion in the army; but he fi- 
nally declared, " I shall never come to Wa.shing- 
ton until I can come by way of Richmond." He 
was re-elected in 1866. 

In 1867, Gen. Hayes was elected Governor of 
Ohio, over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular 
Democrat, and in 1869 was re-elected over George 
H. Pendleton. He was elected Governor for the 
third term in 1875. 

In 1876 he was the .standard-bearer of the Re- 
publican party in the Presidential contest, and 
after a hard, long contest was chosen President, 
and was inaugurated Monday, March 5, 1877. 
He served his full term, not, however, with satis- 
faction to his party, but his administration was an 
average one. The remaining years of his life 
were passed quietly in his Ohio home, where he 
pas.sed away January 17, 1893. 



i 



% 







^i y 



JAMES A. GARFIELD. 



(Tames a. GARFIELD, twentieth President 
I of the United States, was born November 19, 
C2/ 1 83 1, in the woods of Orange, Cuyahoga 
Count)^ Ohio. His parents were Abram and 
Eliza (Ballon) Garfield, both of New England 
ancestry, and from families well known in the 
early history of that section of our country, but 
who had moved to the Western Reserve, in Ohio, 
early in its settlement. 

The house in which James A. was born was 
not unlike the houses of poor Ohio farmers of 
that day. It was about 20 x 30 feet, built of logs, 
with the spaces between the logs filled with cla3\ 
His father was a hard-working farmer, and he 
soon had his fields cleared, an orchard planted, 
and a log barn built. The household comprised 
the father and mother and their four children, 
Mehetabel, Thomas, Mar>' and James. In May, 
1823, the father died from a cold contracted in 
helping to put out a forest fire. At this time 
James was about eighteen months old, and 
Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, 
can tell how much James was indebted to his 
brother's toil and self-sacrifice during the twenty 
years succeeding his father's death. He now 
lives in Michigan, and the two sisters live in Solon, 
Ohio, near their birthplace. 

The early educational advantages young Gar- 
field enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the 
most of them. He labored at farm work for 
others, did carpenter work, chopped wood, or did 
anything that would bring in a few dollars to aid 
his widowed mother in her struggles to keep the 
little family together. Nor was Gen. Garfield 
ever ashamed of his origin, and he never forgot 
the friends of his struggling childhood, youth and 
manhood; neither did they ever forget him. 
When in the highest seats of honor, the humblest 
friend of his boyhood was as kindly greeted as 
ever. The poorest laborer was sure of the sj'm- 
pathy of one who had known all the bitterness of 



want and the sweetness of bread earned b\- tli 
.sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, 
plain, modest gentleman. 

The highest ambition of yovmg Garfield until 
he was about sixteen years old was to be cap- 
tain of a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious 
to go aboard a vessel, but this his mother strongly 
opposed. She finally consented to his going to 
Cleveland, with the understanding, however, that 
he should try to obtain some other kind of em- 
ployment. He walked all the way to Cleveland. 
This was his first visit to the city. After making 
many applications for work, and trj-ing to get 
aboard a lake vessel and not meeting with suc- 
cess, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos 
Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. 
He remained at this work but a short time, when 
he went home, and attended the seminary at 
Chester for about three years. He then entered 
Hiram and the Eclectic Institute, teaching a few 
terms of school in the mean time, and doing other 
work. This school was started bj^ the Disciples 
of Christ in 1850, of which body he was then a 
member. He became janitor and bell-ringer in 
order to help paj^ his way. He then became both 
teacher and pupil. Soon " exhau.sting Hiram," 
and needing a higher education, in the fall of 1854 
he entered Williams College, from which he grad- 
uated in 1856, taking one of the liighest honors of 
his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram Col- 
lege as its President. As above stated, he early 
united with the Christian, or Disciples, Church at 
Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous 
member, often preaching in its pulpit and places 
where he happened to be. 

Mr. Garfield was united in marriage, Novem- 
ber II, 1858, with Miss Lucretia Rudolph, who 
proved herself worthy as the wife of one whom 
all the world loved. To them were born seven 
children, five of whom are still living, four boys 
and one girl. 



96 



JAMES A. GARFIELD. 



Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in 
1856, in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and 
three years later he began to speak at county 
mass-meetings, and became the favorite speaker 
wherever he was. During this year he was 
elected to the Ohio Senate. He also began to 
study law at Cleveland, and in 1861 was admitted 
to the Har. The great Rebellion broke out in the 
early i)art of this year, and Mr. Garfield at once 
resolved to fight as he had talked, and enlisted to 
defend the Old Elag. He received his commission 
as Lieutenant-Colonel of the Forty-second Regi- 
ment of Ohio Infantry August 14, 1861. He 
was immediately put into active serv'ice, and be- 
fore he had ever seen a gun fired in action, was 
placed in command of four regiments of iiifantrj- 
and eight companies of cavalr>-, charged with the 
work of driving out of his native State the able 
rebel officer, Humphrey Marshall, of Kentucky. 
This work was bravely and speedily- accomplished, 
although against great odds, and President Lin- 
coln connnissioned him Brigadier-General, Janu- 
ary 10, 1862; and "as he had been the youngest 
man in the Ohio Senate two years before, so now 
he was the youngest General in the army." He 
was with Gen. Buell's annj- at Shiloh, in its 
operations around Corinth and its march through 
Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of 
the general court martial for the trial of Gen. 
Fitz-John Porter. He was next ordered to re- 
port to (ien. Rosecrans, and was assigned to the 
"Chief of StaflF." The military history of Gen. 
Garfield closed with his brilliant services at Chick- 
amauga, where he won the rank of Major-General. 

Without an effort on his part. Gen. Garfield 
was elected to Congress in the fall of 1862, from 
the Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of 
Ohio had been represented in Congress for sixty 
years mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and 
Joshua R. Giddings. It was not without a strug- 
gle that he resigned his place in the army. At 
the time he entered Congress he was the younge.st 
member in that body. There he remained by 
successive re-elections until he was elected Presi- 
dent, in 1880. Of his labors in Congress, Senator 
Hoar says: ".Since the year i8C)4 you cannot 
think of a question which has been debated in 



Congress, or discus.sed before a tribunal of the 
American people, in regard to which you will not 
find, if you wish instruction, the argument on 
one side stated, in almost every instance better 
than by an>body else, in some speech made in 
the House of Representatives or on the hustings 
by Mr. Garfield." 

Upon January 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elect- 
ed to the United States Senate, and on the Sth of 
June, of the same year, was nominated as the 
candidate of his party for President at the great 
Chicago Convention. He was elected in the fol- 
lowing November, and on March 4, 188 1, was 
inaugurated. Probably no administration ever 
opened its existence under brighter auspices than 
that of President Garfield, and every day it grew 
in favor with the people. By the ist of July 
he had completed all the initiatory and prelimi- 
nar>' work of his administration, and was prepar- 
ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Will- 
iams College. While on his way and at the 
depot, in company with Secretary Blaine, a man 
stepped behind him, drew a revolver, and fired 
directly at his back. The President tottered and 
fell, and as he did so the assassin fired a second 
shot, the bullet cutting the left coat sleeve of his 
victim, but inflicting no further injury. It has 
been very truthfully said that this was " the shot 
that was heard around the world." Never i>efore 
in the history of the nation had anything occur- 
red which so nearly froze the blood of the people 
for the moment as this awful deed. He was 
smitten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his 
life, at the summit of his power and hope. For 
eighty days, all during the hot months of July 
and August, he lingered and suffered. He, how- 
ever, remained master of himself till the last, and 
by his magnificent bearing taught the countr>' 
and the world one of the noblest of human les- 
sons — how to live grandly in the very clutch of 
death. Great in life, he was surpa.ssingly great 
in death. He pa.ssed serenel>' away September 
19, i88,-?, at Elberon, N. J., on the very bank of 
the ocean, where he had been taken shortly be- 
fore. The world wept at his death, as it rarely 
ever had done on the death of any other great 
and nnble man. 



CHESTER A. ARTHUR. 



E HESTER A. ARTHUR, twenty-first Presi- 
dent of the United States, was born in Frank- 
lin County, Vt., on the 5th day of October, 
1830, and was the eldest of a family of two sons 
and five daughters. His father was the Rev. Dr. 
William Arthur, a Baptist clergyman, who emi- 
grated to this countrj- from County Antrim, Ire- 
land, in his eighteenth j'ear, and died in 1875, in 
Newtonville, near Albany, after a long and suc- 
cessful ministry. 

Young Arthur was educated at Union College, 
Schenectady, where he excelled in all his studies. 
After his graduation he taught school in Ver- 
mont for two j'cars, and at the expiration of that 
time came to New York, with $500 in his pocket, 
and entered the office of ex -Judge E. D. Culver 
as a student. After being admitted to the Bar, he 
formed a partnership with his intimate friend and 
room-mate, Henry D. Gardiner, with the inten- 
tion of practicing in the West, and for three 
months they roamed about in the Western States 
in .search of an eligible site, but in the end re- 
turned to New York, where they hung out their 
shingle, and entered upon a successful career al- 
most from the start. Gen. Arthur soon after mar- 
ried the daughter of Lieut. Herndon, of the 
United States Navy, who was lost at sea. Con- 
gress voted a gold medal to his widow in recog- 
nition of the bravery he displaj-ed on that occa- 
sion. Mrs. Arthur died .shortly before Mr. 
Arthur's nomination to the Vice-Presidency, leav- 
ing two children. 

Gen. Arthur obtained con.siderable legal celeb- 
rity in his first great case, the famous Lemmon 
suit, brought to recover possession of eight slaves 
who had been declared free by Judge Paine, of 
the Superior Court of New York City. It was in 



1852 that Jonathan L,emmon, of Virginia, went to 
New York with his slaves, intending to ship them 
to Texas, when they were discovered and freed. 
The Judge decided that they could not be held by 
the owner under the Fugitive Slave Law. A howl 
of rage went up from the South, and the Virginia 
Legislature authorized the Attorney-General of 
that State to a.ssist in an appeal. William M. 
Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed to 
represent the people, and they won their case, 
which then went to the Supreme Court of the 
United States. Charles O' Conor here espoused 
the cau.se of the slaveholders, but he, too, was 
beaten by Messrs. Evarts and Arthur, and a long 
step was taken toward the emancipation of the 
black race. 

Another great ser\'ice was rendered by Gen. 
Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jen- 
nings, a respectable colored woman, was put off 
a Fourth Avenue car with violence after she had 
paid her fare. Gen. Arthur .sued on her behalf, 
and secured a verdict of $500 damages. The next 
day the company issued an order to admit colored 
persons to ride on their cars, and the other car 
companies quickly followed their example. Be- 
fore that the Sixth Avenue Company ran a few 
special cars for colored persons, and the other lines 
refused to let them ride at all. 

Gen. Arthur was a delegate to the convention 
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party. 
Previous to the war he was Judge- Advocate of 
the Second Brigade of the State of New York, 
and Gov. Morgan, of that State, appointed him 
Engineer-in-Chief of his staff. In 1861, he was 
made Inspector-General, and soon aften\'ard be- 
came Quartermaster-General. In each of these 
offices he rendered great service to the Govern- 



lOO 



CHESTER A. ARTHUR. 



nient during the war. At the end of Gov. Mor- 
gan's term he resumed the practice of law, fonn- 
ing a partnership with Mr. Ransom, and then 
Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney of New York, 
was added to the finn. The legal practice of this 
well-known firm was ver>- large and lucrative, 
as each of the gentlemen composing it was an able 
lawyer, and pos.ses.sed a splendid local reputa- 
tion, if not, indeftl, one of national extent. 

Mr. Arthur always -took a leading part in State 
and city politics. He was appointed Collector of 
the Fort of New York by President Grant, No- 
vember 21, 1872, to succeed Thomas Murphy, 
and he held the office until July 20, 1878, when 
he was succeeded by Collector Merritt. 

Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential 
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the 
famous National Republican Convention held at 
Chicago in June, 1880. This was perhaps the 
greatest political convention that ever as.sembled 
on the continent. It was composed of the lead- 
ing politicians of the Republican party, all able 
men, and each stood firm and fought vigorously 
and with signal tenacity for his respective can- 
didate that was before the convention for the 
nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield received the 
nomination for President, and Gen. Arthur for 
Vice-President. The campaign which followed 
was one of the most animated known in the his- 
tory of our country. Gen. Hancock, the stand- 
ard-bearer of the Democratic party, was a popular 
man, and his party made a valiant fight for his 
election. 

iMually the election came, and the country's 
choice was Garfield and Arthur. They were in- 
augurated March 4, 1881, as President and Vice- 
President. A few months only had passed ere 
the newly-chosen President was the victim of the 
as.sassin's bullet. Then came terrible weeks of 
suffering — those moments of anxious suspense, 
when the hearts of all civili/ed nations were 
throbbing in unison, longing for the recovery of 
the noble, the good President. The remarkable 
patience that he manifested during tho.se hours 
and weeks, and even months, of the nio.st terrible 
sufiering man has ever been called upon to en- 
dure, was seemingly more than human. It was 



certainly godlike. During all this period of 
deepest anxiety Mr. Arthur's every move was 
watched, and, be it said to his credit, that his every 
action displayed only an earnest desire that the 
suffering Garfield might recover to .ser\-e the re- 
mainder of the term he had so auspiciously be- 
gun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested in 
deed or look of this man, even though the most 
honored position in the world was at any moment 
likely to fall to him. 

At last God in his mercj- relieved President 
Garfield from further suffering, and the world, as 
never before in its history over the death of any 
other man, wept at his bier. Then it became the 
duty of the Vice-President to assume the resix)n- 
sibilities of the high office, and he took the oath 
in New York, September 20, 1881. The position 
was an embarrassing one to him, made doubly so 
from the fact that all e>es were on him, an.xious 
to know what he would do, what policj- he would 
pursue, and whom he would select as advisers. 
The duties of the office had been greatly neglected 
during the President's long illness, and many im- 
portant measures were to be immediately decided 
by him; and to still further embarass him he did 
not fail to realize under what circumstances he 
became President, and knew the feelings of many 
on this point. Under these trying circumstances, 
President Arthur took the reins of the Govern- 
ment in his own hands, and, as embarrassing as 
was the condition of affairs, he happily surprised 
the nation, acting .so wisely that hut few criticized 
his administration. He served the nation well 
and faithfully until the close of his administra- 
tion, March 4, 1S85, and was a popular candidate 
before his party for a .second term. His natne 
was ably presented before the convention at Chi- 
cago, and was received with great favor, and 
doubtless but for the personal popularity of one 
of the opposing candidates, he would have been 
selected as the standard-bearer of his party for 
another campaign. He retired to jirivate life, car- 
rying with him the best wishes of the .American 
people, whom he li.ul .ser\-ed in a manner satisfac- 
tory to them ami with credit to himself One 
year later he was called to his final rest. 




^^_ ^r^.. 



<^^^^' 



STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND. 



(3TEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND, the 
vA twenty-second President of the United States, 
VlJ/ was born in 1837, in the obscure town of 
Caldwell, Essex County, N. J., and in a little 
two-and-a-half-story white house, which is still 
standing to characteristically mark the humble 
birthplace of one of America's great men, in 
striking contrast with the Old World, where all 
men high in office must be high in origin and 
born in the cradle of wealth. When the subject 
of this sketch was three years of age, his father, 
who was a Presbyterian minister with a large 
family and a small salary, moved, by way of the 
Hudson River and Erie Canal, to Fayetteville, N. 
Y., in search of an increased income and a larger 
field of work. Fayetteville was then the most 
straggling of country villages, about five miles 
from Pompey Hill, where Governor Seymour 
was born. 

At the last-mentioned place young Grover com- 
menced going to school in the good, old-fa.shioned 
way, and presumably distinguished himself after 
the manner of all village boys — in doing the 
things he ought not to do. Such is the dis- 
tinguishing trait of all geniuses and independent 
thinkers. When he arrived at the age of four- 
teen years, he had outgrown the capacity of the 
village school, and expressed a mo.st emphatic de- 
sire to be sent to an academy. To this his fa- 
ther decidedly objected. Academies in those 
days cost money ; besides, his father wanted him 
to become self-supporting by the quickest pos- 
sible means, and this at that time in Fayetteville 
seemed to be a position in a country store, where 
his father and the large family on his hands had 



considerable influence. Grover was to be paid 
$50 for his services the first year, and if he proved 
trustworthy he was to receive $100 the second 
year. Here the lad commenced his career as 
salesman, and in two years he had earned so good 
a reputation for trustworthiness that his employ- 
ers desired to retain him for an indefinite length 
of time. 

But instead of remaining with this firm in 
Faj-etteville, he went with the familj- in their re- 
moval to Clinton, where he had an opportunity 
of attending a High School. Here he industri- 
ously pursued his studies until the family re- 
moved with him to a point on Black River known 
as the "Holland Patent," a village of five or six 
hundred people, fifteen miles north of Utica, N. Y. 
At this place his father died, after preaching but 
three Sundays. This event broke up the family, 
and Grover set out for New York City to accept, 
at a small salary, the position of under-teacher 
in an asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully 
for two years, and although he obtained a good 
reputation in this capacity, he concluded that 
teaching was not his calling in life, and, revers- 
ing the traditional order, he left the city to seek 
his fortune, instead of going to the city. He first 
thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as there was some 
charm in that name for him; but before proceed- 
ing to that place he went to Buffalo to ask advice 
of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted stock- 
breeder of that place. The latter did not .speak 
enthusiastically. "What is it you want to do, 
mj- boy?" he asked. "Well, sir, I want to .study 
law," was the reply "Good gracious!" remarked 
the old gentleman; " do you, indeed? Whatever 



I04 



STEPHEN GROVHR CLEVELAND. 



put that into your head ? How nnicli nioncv 
have you got?" "Wtll, sir, to tell the truth, I 
haven't got any." 

After a long consultation, his uncle offered him 
a place teniporarih- as assistant herd-keeper, at 
$50 a year, while he could look around. One 
day soon afterward he boldly walked into the of- 
fice of Rogers, Bowen 61: Rogers, of Buffalo, and 
told them what he wanted. A number of young 
men were already engaged in the office, but Gro- 
ver's persistency won, and he was finallj- per- 
mitted to come as an office boy and have the use 
of the law library, receiving as wages the sum of 
$3 or $4 a week. Out of this he had to paj- for his 
board and washing. The walk to and from his 
uncle's was a long and rugged one; and although 
the first winter was a ineinorably severe one, his 
shoes were out of repair, and as for his overcoat he 
had none; yet he was, neverthele.ss, prompt and 
regular. On the first day of his .service there, his 
senior employer threw down a copy of Black- 
stone before him, with a bang that made the dust 
fly, saying "That's where the>- all begin." A 
titter ran around the little circle of clerks and 
students, as they thought that was enough to 
scare young Grover out of his plans; but in due 
time he ma.stered that cumbersome volume. 
Then, as ever afterward, liowe\er, Mr. Cleve- 
land exhibited a talent for executivene.ss rather 
than for chasing principles through all their 
melajihysical possibilities. "Let us quit talking 
and go and do it," was practically his motto. 

The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland 
was elected was that of vSheriff of Erie County, 
N. Y., in which Buffalo is .situated; and in such 
capacity it fell to his duty to inflict capital punish- 
ment upon two criminals. In 1881 he was 
elected Mayor of the City of Buffalo, on the 
Democratic ticket, with especial reference to bring- 
ing about certain reforms in the adiuiiiistration 
of the municipal affairs of that city. In this of- 
fice, as well as in that of Sheriff, his performance 
of duty has generally been considered fair, with 
possibly a few exceptions, which were ferreted 
out and magnified during his Presidential cam- 
paign. As a specimen of his plain language in 
a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an 



iniquitous street-cleaning contract: "This is a 
lime f<jr plain speech, anil my objection to your 
action shall be plainly stated. I regard it as the 
culmination of a most bare-faced, impudent and 
shameless scheme to betray the interests of the 
people and to worse than .squander the people's 
money." The New York Sun afterward very 
highly commended Mr. Cleveland's administra- 
tion as Mayor of Buffalo, and thereupon recom- 
mended him for Governor of the Empire State. 
To the latter office he was elected in 18.S2, and 
his administration of the affairs of State was 
generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made, 
if an\', were made very public throughout the na- 
tion after he was nominated for President of the 
United States. For this high office he was 
nominated Julj' 11, 1SS4, by the National Demo- 
cratic Convention at Chicago, when other com- 
petitors were Thomas F. Bayard, Roswell P. 
Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks, Benjamin F. 
Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.; and he was 
elected by the people, b\- a majority of about a 
thousanl, over the brilliant ami long-trietl Re- 
publican statesman, James G. Blaine. Presiilent 
Cle\eland resigned his office as Governor of New 
York in Jaiuiar\-, 1.SS5, in order to prepare for 
his duties as the Chief Executive of the United 
States, in wliicli capacity his term commenced at 
noon on the 4lh of March, 1SS5. 

The silver question precipitated a controversy 
between those who were in fiivor of the conliiui- 
ance of silver coinage and those who were op- 
posed, Mr. Cleveland an.swering for the latter, 
even before his inauguration. 

On June 2, iSSfi, President Cleveland marrie<l 
Frances, daughter of his deceased friend and part- 
ner, Oscar Folsom, of the Buffalo Bar. Their 
union has been ble.^sed by the birth of two daugh- 
ters. In the campaign of 1888, President Cleve- 
land was reiiomiiialed by his party, but the 
Republican candidate, Gen. Benjainiu Harrison, 
was \ictori()Us. In the nominations of 1892 
these two candidates for the highest jiosition in 
the gift of the ]ieo]ile were again pitted against 
each other, and in the ensuing election Pre.sident 
Cle\el.ind was victorious by an overwhelming 
majority. 



r 



^ '%^^ 





>-^ 



T^-TJ^-T^^^y ^ 



BENJAMIN HARRISON. 



gENJAMIN HARRISON, the twenty-third 
President, is the descendant of one of the 
historical families of this country. The first 
known head ofthe family was Maj.-Gen. Harrison, 
one of Oliver Cromwell's trusted followers and 
fighters. In the zenith of Cromwell's power it be- 
came the duty of this Harrison to participate in 
the trial of Charles I., and afterward to sign the 
death warrant of the king. He subsequently 
paid for this with his life, being hung October 13, 
1660. His descendants came to America, and 
the next of the family that appears in history is 
Benjamin Harrison, of Virginia, great-grandfa- 
ther ofthe subject of this sketch, and after whom 
he was named. Benjamin Harrison was a mem- 
ber of the Continental Congress during the years 
1774, 1775 and 1776, and was one ofthe original 
signers of the Declaration of Independence. He 
was three times elected Governor of Virginia. 

Gen. William Henry Harrison, the son of the 
distinguished patriot of the Revolution, after a 
successful career as a soldier during the War of 
1 8 1 2 , and with a clean record as Governor of the 
Northwestern Territory', was elected President of 
the United States in 1840. His career was cut 
short by death within one month after his in- 
auguration. 

President Harrison was born at North Bend, 



Hamilton County, Ohio, August 20, 1833. His 
life up to the time of his graduation from Miami 
University, at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful 
one of a country lad of a family of small means. 
His father was able to give him a good education, 
and nothing more. He became engaged while at 
college to the daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of 
a female school at Oxford. After graduating, he 
determined to enter upon the study of law. He 
went to Cincinnati and there read law for two 
years. At the expiration of that time young Har- 
rison received the only inheritance of his life — his 
aunt, dying, left him a lot valued at $800. He 
regarded this legacy as a fortune, and decided to 
get married at once, take this money and go to 
some Eastern town and begin the practice of law. 
He sold his lot, and, with the money in his pocket, 
he started out with his young wife to fight for a 
place in the world. He decided to go to Indian- 
apolis, which was even at that time a town of 
promise. He met with slight encouragement at 
first, making scarcely anything the first year. 
He worked diligently, applying himself closely to 
his calling, built up an extensive practice and 
took a leading rank in the legal profession. 

In i860, Mr. Harrison was nominated for the 
position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then be- 
gan liis experience as a stump speaker. He can- 



io8 



BENJAMIN 



HARRISON. 

r 



vassed the State thoroughly, and was elected by 
a handsijine luajorily. In 1862 he raised the 
Seventeenth Indiana Infantry, and was chosen its 
Colonel. His regiment was composed of the raw- 
est material, but Col. Harrisun employed all his 
time at first in mastering militarj- tactics and drill- 
ing his men, and when he came to move toward 
the Hast with Sherman, his regiment was one of 
the best drilled and organized in the army. At 
Kcsaca he especially distinguished himself, and 
fur his bravery at Peachtree Creek he was made 
a Brigadier-General, Gen. Hooker speaking of 
him in the most complinientarA- terms. 

During the ab.sence of Gen. Harrison in the 
field, the Supreme Court declared the office of 
Supreme Court Reporter vacant, and another 
l)er.son was elected to the position. From the 
time of leaving Indiana with his regiment until 
the fall of 1864 he had taken no leave of absence, 
l)Ut having been nominated that year for the same 
office, he got a thirty-daj- leave of absence, and 
during that time made a brilliant canva.ss of the 
State, and was elected for another term. He then 
started to rejoin Sherman, but on the way was 
stricken down with .scarlet fever, and after a most 
trying attack made his way to the front in time to 
participate in the closing incidents of the war. 

In 1868 Gen. Harrison declined a re-election 
as Reporter, and resumed the practice of law. In 
1876 he was a candidate for Governor. Although 
defeated, the brilliant campaign he made won for 
him a national reputation, and he was nuich sought 
after, especially in the East, to make speeches. 
In 18S0, as usual, he took an active part in the 
campaign, and was elected to the United States 
Senate. Here he .ser\'ed for six years, and was 
known as one of the ablest men, best lawyers and 
strongest debaters in that body. With the ex- 
piration of his senatorial term he returned to the 
practice of his profession, becoming the head of 
one of the .strongest firms in the State. 

The political canijjaign of 1888 was one of the 
most memorable in the hi.story of our country. 
The convention which a.ssembled in Chicago in 
June and named Mr. Harri.son as the chief .stand- 
ard-bearer of the Republican party was great in 
every particular, and on this account, and the at- 



titude it assumed upon the vital questions of the 
day, chief among which was the tariff, awoke a 
deep interest in the campaign throughout the 
nation. Shortly after the nomination, delegations 
began to visit Mr. Harri.son at Indianapolis, his 
home. This movement liecame popular, and from 
all sections of the country .societies, clubs and 
delegations journeyed thither to pay their re- 
spects to the distinguished .statesman. 

Mr. Harrison spoke daily all through the sum- 
mer and autunni to these visiting delegations, 
and so varied, masterly, and eloquent were his 
speeches that they at once placed him in the fore- 
mo.st rank of American orators antl .statesmen. 
Elected by a hand.soine majority, he served his 
country faithfully and well, and in 1S92 was nom- 
inated for re-election; but the people demanded a 
change and he was defeated by his predecessor 
in office, Grover Cleveland. 

On account of his eloquence as a .speaker and 
his power as a debater, Gen. Harrison was called 
upon at an early age to take part in the dis- 
cu.s.sion of tl;e great questions that then began to 
agitate the country. He was an uncompromising 
anti-.slavery man, and was matched against some 
ofthemo.st eminent Democratic .speakers of his 
State. No man who felt the touch of his blade 
desired to be pitted with him again. With all 
his eloquence as an orator he never .spoke for ora- 
torical effect, but his words always went like bul- 
lets to the mark. He is purely American in his 
ideas, and is a .splendid type of the American 
statesman. Gifted with quick perception, a logi- 
cal mind and a ready tongue, he is one of the 
mo.st distinguished impromptu sjieakers in the 
nation. Many of the.se speeches .sjiarkled with the 
rarest eloquence and containe<l arguments of great 
weight, and many of his terse statements have 
already become aphorisms. Original in thought, 
precise in logic, ter.se in statement, yet withal 
faultless in eloquence, he is recognized a.s the 
.sound statesman and brilliant orator of the day. 
During the last days of his administration Presi- 
dent Harrison suffered an irreparable loss in the 
death of his devoted wife, Caroline (Scott) Har- 
ri.son, a lady of many womanly charms and vir- 
tues. They were the parents of two children. 



Walworth and Jefferson Counties, 



WISCONSIN. 



I NTRODUCTORY. 



'he time has arrived when it becomes the 
duty of the people of this county to perpet- 
uate the names of their pioneers, to furnish 
a record of their early settlement, and relate the 
story of their progress. The civilization of our 
day, the enlightenment of the age, and the dut)- 
that men of the present time owe to their ances 
tors, to themselves and to their posterity, demand 
that a record of their lives and deeds should be 
made. In biographical history is found a power 
to instruct man bj- precedent, to enliven the mental 
faculties, and to waft down the river of time a safe 
vessel, in which the names and actions of the peo- 
ple who contributed to raise this countr>' from its 
primitive state may be preserved. vSurely and 
rapidly the great and aged men, who in their prime 
entered the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil 
as their heritage, are passing to their graves. The 
number remaining who can relate the incidents of 
the first days of settlement is becoming small in- 
deed, so that an actual necessity exists for the col- 
lection and preservation of events without delay, 
before all the earh" settlers are cut down by the 
scythe of Time. 

To be forgotten has been the great dread of 
mankind from remotest ages. All will be forgot- 
ten soon enough, in .spite of their best works and 
the most earnest efforts of their friends to preser\-e 
the memor}- of their lives. The means employed 
to prevent oblivion and to perpetuate their mem- 
ory has been in proportion to the amount of intel- 
ligence the)' possessed. The pyramids of Egypt 
were built to perpetuate the names and deeds of 
their great rulers. The exhumations made Ijy the 
archsologisLs of Egypt frotn buried Memphis indi- 
cate a de.sire of tho.se people to perpetuate the 
memor)- of their achievements. The erection of 
the great obelisks were for the same purpose. 
Comnigdown to a later period, we find the Greeks 
and Romans erecting mausoleums and monu- 



ments, and carving out .statues to chronicle their 
great achiev-ements and carry them down the ages. 
It is also evident that the Mound-builders, in pil- 
ing up their great mounds of earth, had but this 
idea — to lea\-e something to show that they had 
lived. All these works, though many of them 
costh- in the extreme, gi\-e but a faint idea of the 
lives and characters of those whose memory the)- 
were intended to perpetuate, and scarcely anything 
of the ma.sses of the people that then lived. The 
great pyramids and some of the obelisks remain 
objects only of curiosity; the mausoleums, monu- 
ments and statues are crumbling into dust. 

■" It was left to modern ages to establish an i.itel- 
ligent, undecaying, immutable method of perpet- 
uating a full history — immutable, in that it is al- 
most unlimited in extent and perpetual in its ac- 
tion; and this is through the art of printing. 

To the present generation, however, we are in- 
debted for the introduction of the admirable sys- 
tem of local biography. By this system ever\- 
man, though he has not achieved what the world 
calls greatness, has the means to perpetuate his 
life, his histor)-, through the coming ages. 

The scythe of Time cuts dov.'u all; nothing of 
the ph^'sical man is left. The monument which 
his children or friends ma\- erect to his memory in 
the cemeter\- will crumble into dust and pass 
away; but his life, his achievements, the work he 
has accomplished, which otherwise would be for- 
gotten, is perpetuated by a record of this kind. 

To preser\-e the lineaments of our companions 
we engrave their portraits; for the same reason 
we collect the attainable facts of their history. Nor 
do we think it necessary, as we speak only truth 
of them, to wait until they are dead, or until those 
who know them are gone; to do this we are 
ashamed only to publish to the world the historj' 
of those whose lives are unworthy of public record. 




A. S. ."-i (loNi-u 



ALFRED S. SPOONER. 



6I1.FREDS. SPOONER, one of the leading 
LI members of the Walworth County Bar, now 
I I engaged in the practice of law in Delavan, 
wa.s born in the midst of the beauties of the 
Adirondack Mountains, in Essex Countj^ N. Y., 
March 3, 18 19. The ancestrj- of the famih- in 
America can be traced back to William Spooner, 
who served as an apprentice boy in Massachusetts 
in 1632. The grandfather, Wing Spooner, was 
a native of the old Bay State, followed farming 
throughout his life, and died in Massachusetts at 
an advanced age. He married Eunice Stephens, 
who reached the advanced age of ninet}'-five 
>ears, and they reared a large family. 

The father of our subject, Joel Spooner, was 
born in Massachusetts, and was a hou-se-joiner 
and farmer. He had two brothers who served in 
the Revolutiouarj- War. He removed to New 
York in 181 1, and his death occurred in St. 
Lawrence Count}' on the 14th of February?, 1850, 
in the seventy-ninth year of his age. His wife 
.survived him until March, 1869, when, at the age 
of ninetj'-four j'ears, she departed this life. For 
many years she was a member of the Congre- 
gational Church, but afterwards united with the 
Methodist. Her parents were Israel and Mary 
(Clapp) Trow, and their marriage was celebrated 
January i, 1761. Her father .served as Captain 
in the Revolutionary' War, and during one win- 
ter he had charge of Ft. Ticonderoga. He died 
in February, 1825, at the age of eighti'-three 
years, in Hardwick, Mass. His .sons all died 
previous to the death of the father, but two 
daughters sur\'ived him. 

In the Spooner familj' were nine children, 
seven sons and two daughters, but only two are 
now living: Charles, a Congregational mini.ster 



of Greenville, Mich. ; and Alfred S. The latter 
spent his boyhood days in Keene, N. Y., tliere 
remaining until about eighteen years of age. At 
the age of twenty he returned to his native coun- 
ty, where the .succeeding ten years of his life were 
passed. In 1849 he determined to .seek a home 
in the West, and removed from Elizabethtown, 
N. Y. , to Delavan, Wis. , where he took up the 
.study of law. While engaged in preparing him- 
self for the Bar, he supported his family at shoe- 
making. In 1850 he was licensed to practice, 
and has since followed his chosen profession, with 
the exception of seven years spent in the revenue 
service. He was made A.s.sistant United States 
Asses.sor in 1863, and served in that po.sition un- 
til June, 1870, when he became Deputy Collector, 
and to the duties of that office gave his time and 
attention until January, 1871, when he resumed 
the practice of law. 

On the 25th of December, 1844, Mr. Spooner 
was united in marriage with Miss Sarah M. Bris- 
tol, a daughter of Isaac and Sophia (Holcomb) 
Bri.stol, of Essex County, N. Y. The ladyisal.soa 
native of that county. Nine children have been 
born of their union, three .sons and six daugli- 
ers: Mary C, who died in October, 1847, at the 
age of two years; Caroline M.; Adelaide M.; 
Luella J., wife of Clarence Merenes, of Delavan; 
Charles Trow, who married Mi.ss Lena Lshani, I)y 
whom he has a daughter, Louie Janet; William 
Lyon, who died in August, 1859; Alma L-; Alfred 
K. ; and Etta Eudocia. 

Mr. and Mrs. Spooner are both members of the 
Congregational Church, and are highly respected 
citizens of this community. Our subject cast his 
first Presidential vote in 1840, supporting the 
Whig candidates of the "Tippecanoeand T\ler, 



ii8 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Too" canipaijiii. On the organi/alion of the Re- 
publican part>- he joined its ranks, anfl for many 
years continued to afliliate with it, hut nt)\v votes 
witli the Prohibition party. He .served as Dis- 
trict Attorney of Wahvortli C<ninty for three 
terms, was Court Commi.ssioner and Notary Pub- 
lic, and has been Ju.stice of the Peace for about 
twenty years. The i)romi)t and faithful manner 
in which he has discharged his official duties has 
won him high conuneiidation and led to his 
frequent re-election. In December, 1892, Mr. 
Spooner's iifTice. with all its contents, was de- 



stroyed by fire and he thereby suffered a consider- 
able loss. The esteem in which he is held, however, 
was then made manifest, for his friends presented 
him with over S500, part cash, and about a hun- 
dred vt)lumes of law books. He is a popular 
citizen, who by his pleasant and genial manner 
and his sterling worth has gained the warm re- 
gard of all with whom he has been brought in 
contact. In his i)rofe.ssion he has steadily worked 
his way upward, and now occupies an enviable 
position among his professional brethren uf the 
county. 



BIC; I'OOT. 



gIG FOOT. It is just i)ossil)le that early set- 
tlers may have drawn upon their imagination 
for many of the facts gathered together re- 
.spccting the noble red man whose name heads 
this article. That he was an Indian pos.se.ssing 
esthetic tastes, we are assured from the beautiful 
location of his wigwam, overlooking the waters of 
America's most beautiful lake — Geneva. Around 
him were clustered the homes of his subjects, tlie 
Pottawatomies. In the pretentious abode — pre- 
tentious in that it was larger than its fellows, serv- 
ing at once as home, council-chamber, and .seat 
of justice for the tribe — Hig Focit held forth. It 
was circular in form, some twenty feet in diameter, 
made from posts set in the ground and covered 
with mats woven from grasses and bark. Frfim 
a tall tree standing near it was displayed the 
chiefs rank and power. The Pottawatomies 
were certainly in a land of plenty. The Jmimals 
of the forest, the fish in the lake and streams, the 
honev in the hollows of trees, together with corn 
and beans, which they cultivated, made life a 
round of pleasure. It is not strange that liig 
Foot was the last chief among all the tribes in 
southern Wisconsin to cede his lands to the ever- 
encroaching whites: nor is it strange that he was 



so loath to leave the home of his creating. He is 
remembered as the last of the chiefs to leave for 
the West. Although a sturdy hater of the whites, 
he po.s.se.ssed a .scn.se of honor which made him 
hold his pledges .s;icred when given. Hence it 
was that during the Hlack Hawk War.lieing bound 
under former treaties — which he ever held invio- 
lable — he refused to take up arms against the 
whites. He surlily kept his faith against all the 
in.stincts of his savage nature, and in 1.X36 — the 
terms of the treaty requiiing it — he forever left 
the happy Inuiting-ground of his ancestors, and 
disa])peareil never to return. The scene of his 
home-leaving smacks of the pathetic, and yet he 
was but an Indian, who took up the vices rather 
than the virtues of the whites. Mrs. Kinzie, who 
is declared to have been the first white woman 
whoever put foot on Walworth Counl\- soil, upon 
the occasion of her going from Chicago to Ft. 
"Winnebago in iS_^2, .says of him:'' He was a large, 
raw-boned, ugly Indian, with a countenance bloat- 
ed by intemperance, and with a sinister, unpleas- 
ant expres.sion." This ]iicture is doubtless true, 
but "giving the devil his tine " leads us to add 
that as a type of honor and truthfulness, which 
went to the extreme in keeping faith once pledged. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



119 



he stands high among his fellows. Treacher}- is 
characteristic of the race, but he stood forth an ex- 
ception to the rule. 

Rev. Durnnell, an earl\' chronicler, says regard- 
ing Big Foot's leave-taking: '']5ig Foot's band 
was all gathered into his village at the head of the 
lake, so as to be taken to Chicago. This was in 
the month of September. James Van Sh-ke had 
removed to that point a few weeks before, and his 
family were living in a partially finished log cab- 
in, in full view of their encampment. Noticing 
one morning a great connnotion in the Indian 
camp, and not knowing the cau.se of it, he imag- 
ined that an outbreak upon tlie white settlers who 
had trespassed upon their lands was contemplat- 
ed. For .some reason not now known — whether 
from cowardice or not — he fled for his life, leav- 
ing his family in the cabin. Mrs. \'an vSlyke 
watched ever\- mo\ement of the savages through 
the unchinked walls of her dwelling. After a 
time she was relieved of anxiety b\- seeing them 
pack their movable property upon their ponies and 
.squaws, and taking a trail toward the vSouth, disap- 
pear one after another through a wooded ravine. 

' 'After all were gone as she supposed, Big Foot 
appeared, and proceeding to the council-hou.se 
and placing one arm around the signal-pole, stood 
for some time in silence, thoughtfully viewing the 
scenes which had been familiar to him from child- 
hood and which he was never to behold again. 

"He had refu.sed to sign the treaty of 1832, but 
was overruled b}- a majority of the other chiefs, 
who through some influence brought to bear up- 
on them, either just or unju.st, w^ere induced to 



cede their lands. The time had now come for 
his unwilling removal. He was evidently sad. 
His .soul was burdened. He wished to be alone 
with the Great Spirit and the graves of his fathers 
and kindred. A year or two previously he had 
lost a son whose body he had caused to be en- 
cased in a rude cofiin and fastened to the limbs 
of an oak, .some forty feet from the ground and 
overlooking the lake. He gave as a rea.son for 
this novel mode of sepulture that his son was un- 
usually fond of lake scenery and he wished him to 
enjoy a fine view of it from that country- to 
w^hich he had gone. The usual mode of bury- 
ing among the tribe was by a slight burial in the 
earth, protecting the gra\^es from the inroads of 
wild beasts by a small covered pen made of trees. 
They usually deposited with the dead food, to- 
bacco, trinkets and other articles of which the 
deceased was fond, or which the}- imagined he 
would u.se in the state to which he had gone. 

"After this silent leave-taking the chief walked 
over to .see Mrs. \'an Slyke. Leaning his tall form 
against the doorless doorway of the cabin, he 
talked kindly to the woman who was ever a friend 
to his race, and then, bidding her a final farewell, 
turned away to join his band, and was seen no 
more.' ' 

Our sketch has not been with records of birth, 
marriage or death, nor yet with genealogv. 
What became of Big Foot, deponent saj-eth not. 
In 1S67 he was yet alive, a melanchoty, dissatis- 
fied, pining old man. Like the children of Israel 
captive in Babylon he wept when he remembered 
Geneva — his Zion. 



REV. JHRKMIAH H. HI( KS. 



REV. JEREMIAH H. HICKS, who is now 
serving as pastor of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church of Delavan, was born in Wade, 
Washington County, Ohio, March 29, 1855, and 
is a son of John and Sarah ( Chapman ) Hicks, 



who were also natives of the Buckeye State. In 
the family w-ere four children, but the three daugh- 
ters died in infancy, leaving our subject the onh 
survivor. His father .served as a steamboat cap- 
tain on the Ohio Ri\-er until the breakina: out of 



I20 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



tlie War of the Rebellion, when he enlisted in his 
conntry's senice as a member of Company I. 
Second Virginia Cavalry. He ser\-ed for nearly 
four years, and died in the ser\ice March lo, 
1864, when thirty-three years of age. His wife 
still survives him. and is now living in Harris- 
ville, Va. She has since married \iviaii Chap- 
man, a wholesale grocer of that place. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject, Jere- 
miah Hicks, was bom in Ohio, and was numbered 
among the pioneers of Washington County, that 
vState. He was one of tlie first steamboat captains 
that ran on the Ohio River. His death occurred 
at his old home in 1893. at the ripe old age of 
eighty-two years. In tlie family were eight chil- 
dren. His sons were John, James, Wesley and 
Joseph, and, with the exception of James, all lost 
their lives in the .struggle to preserve tlie Union. 
The maternal grandfather, John Chapman, was a 
native of Pennsylvania, followed farming as a 
means of livelihood, and was a .soldier in the Mex- 
ican War. Soon after his return to private life 
his death occurred. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
was reared in the State of his nativity, and ac- 
quired his early education in the public .schools of 
Washington County. He then attended Kelpre 
College, and completed the theological course in 



tlie spring of 1884. He came to Illinois the same 
spring, and immediately entered uixin the work 
of the ministry, and has l)een preacliing regularlv 
since. His first charge was in Mt Carroll, 111., 
where he served for five years. His next charge 
was at Orangeville, where he servetl for three 
years. In 1885 he joined the Rock River Con- 
ference of Illinois, with which he was connected 
for ten years. On the expiration of that period 
he accepted his present charge, and has since 
been pa.stor of the church in Delavan, Wis. 

On the 24tli of July, 1879, Mr. Hicks was 
united in marriage with Miss Sarah Bond, daugh- 
ter of Franklin and Eliza (Russell) Bond, both 
of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Five 
children have come to bless their union: Georg- 
etta, Gertrude, Vivian, Neva Pearl and Carroll 
Chandler. 

Socially, Mr. Hicks is connected with the 
Modern Woodmen fraternity, and in politics is a 
Republican. The greater part of his time and 
attention, however, is devoted to the work of the 
ministn,-, in which he has been faithful and true, 
laboring earne.stly for the advancement of the 
cause of Christianity on earth. He has the love 
and respect of his people in Delavan, and has 
made many warm friends during his present 
pa.storate. 



ETHAN LAiMlTilRI^: CILin-.KT. 



["Tll.W I.AMPHIRE GILBERT, deceased, 
1^ was a native of Hamilton, Madison County, 
I N. v., born on the 15th of SeptemlK-r, i8kS. 
His parents, Andrew and Calmy Gilbert, were also 
natives of the ICmpirc vState, and in their family 
were nine children, three of whom are yet living, 
namely : Nelson, who makes his home in Waupaca, 
Wis.: Esther, wife of Dudley Kcndrick, of Oak 
Park, 111.: and .Sarah, wife of Edwin Phelps, also 
of Oak Park. 

Mr. Gilbert of this sketch was numbered among 



the early settlers of Walworth County. His pa- 
ternal grandfather came to Wisconsin in an early 
day, and (lied in Delavan, October 22, 1S70, at an 
advanced age. His wife, Calmy Butler, passed 
away March 5, 1873. Our subject dated his ar- 
rival liere from 1851. He had followed milling 
in the East, and after his emigration to the West 
he embarked in farming, and carried on agricul- 
tural pursuits for eleven years. On .selling out in 
1862, he took up his residence in Geneva and 
purchased an interest in the old Warren Mill. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



121 



He was then again engaged in milling for twent) - 
six j'ears, but in 1888 he sold out, and embarked 
in the agricultural-implement business. 

On the 13th of March, 1844, Mr. Gilbert was 
united in marriage with Miss Betsj' Caroline Cur- 
tis. Unto them were born five children, two sons 
and three daughters: Curtis, Alice, Stella, Frank 
and Ida. The last-named, the only surviving 
member of the family, is now the wife of C. H. 
Hammersley, whose sketch appears elsewhere in 
this volume. 

Mr. Gilbert continued in business as an agricul- 
tural-implement dealer until called to the home 
beyond. He passed away on the 24th of Febru- 
arj-, 1894, at the age of seventy-five years and 



five months, and his wife died September 5, 1890, 
at the allotted age of three-score j-ears and ten. 
In the East he was a member of the Presbyterian 
Church. His wife held membership with the 
Congregational Church of Lake Geneva. Mr. 
Gilbert was honored with several local offices, 
and had been City Treasurer. He took an active 
part in public affairs, gave his support to every 
enterprise calculated to prove of benefit to the 
community, and was Park Commissioner at the 
time of his death. He led a quiet, yet Uiseful and 
honorable life, and was a man of genial disposi- 
tion. His many excellencies of character gained 
him high regard, and made his example well 
worthj' of emulation. 



EDGAR A. WEEKS. 



DGAR A. WEEKS, a retired farmer, who 
'y through his own well-directed efforts acquired 
__ the competency which now enables him to 
laj' aside business cares and live quietly at his 
pleasant home in Delavan, is one of Walworth 
County's native .sons and one of her highly re- 
spected citizens. He was born in Lyons Town- 
ship on the 31st of July, 1849, and is a .son of 
Lewis S. and Elvira F. (Little) Weeks, the 
former a native of Massachusetts, and the latter 
of New York. The father was a farmer b}- occu- 
pation, and in 1844 emigrated westward. He be- 
came one of the earlj- .settlers of Walworth County, 
locating in Lyons Township, where he purchased 
a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, on which 
he made his home until 1891. In that year he 
removed to Elkhorn, where he .spent his remain- 
ing days, his death occurring April 22, 1893, at 
the age of .seventy-five. His wife pa.ssed away 
April 16, 1S91, at the age of seventy-one. The}' 
were both members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. On both sides our subject comes of old 
New England families. His paternal grandfather, 
.Spencer Weeks, was a Massachu.setts farmer. He 



removed from the Bay State to New York, and 
after some years came to Walworth Countj', in the 
fall of 1843, locating in Lyons Township, where 
his death occurred at the age of sixty-two. He 
was a great hunter, fisher and trapper. He had 
twelve children, ten of whom lived to rear families 
of their own. The maternal grandfather, John 
Little, who was a native of New York, was born 
February 5, 1777, and was married June 14, 1814, 
to Esther Baily. The latter was born April 8, 
1787, and died October 14, 1875, having long 
survived herhu.sband, who died in the Empire 
State, March 28, 1852. For a livelihood he car- 
ried on agricultural pursuits. The children of 
John and Esther Little were: Laura, who was 
born April 12, 18 16, was married February 28, 
1839, and died June 12, 1878; Caroline, born Sep- 
tember 18, 1818, and who died February 21, 1879; 
Elvira, born March 13, 1820, and married August 
22, 1841; and Mary M., born June 26, 1824, and 
who died Ma}- 12, 1840. 

Our subject is the third in order of birth in a 
family of three children, two sons and a daughter, 
but the latter is now deceased. His brother, 



122 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



John M., follows farming in Lyons Township. 
Tlicre Mr. W'ttks of this sketch was reared, re- 
maining under the parental roof until he had at- 
tained to man's estate. His educational privileges 
were those afforded by the common scliools. 
When he had reached his majority, his father 
aided him in buying a farm of one hundred acres 
between the villages of Springfield and Lyons, 
which he still owns. Throughout his Inisiness 
career he carried on agricultural pursuits, and was 
very successful in his undertakings. I'nder his 
care and attention his land was transformed into 
rich and fertile fields, and the place became neat 
and thrift)- in appearance. Good buildings and 
other improvements were put upon it. and in all 
departments it seemed a model farm. 

On the 2ist of January, 1874, Mr. Weeks mar- 
ried Miss Kannie P. Aldrich, daughter of Cyril 



R. and Julia A. (Carpenter) Aldrich, both of 
whom were natives of New Hampshire. Three 
children have l)een born to them; Aurelia M., 
who was married to Krastus M. Potter, August 
9, 1893, and is living on the old home farm in 
Lyons Township; Phineas S. and Grace P. 

Mr. Weeks votes with the Republican party, 
but has never souglit or de.sired the honors or 
emoluments of public office. He continued to en- 
gage in farming until the autunui of 1893, wlieii 
he rented his land and came to Delavan, where 
he has since made his home, enjoying the rest 
which he has so truly earned and richh- de.ser\'es. 
Though never taking a ]iromincnt ])art in public 
affairs, lie has always lived so as to win the respect 
and confidence of those with whom he has been 
brought in contact, and in his native county he 
has many friends. 



jAMi^s i{. mix;. 



n AMi;S ]■,. IIKG, editor of the //<■/<//</ of Lake 
I Geneva, has for many years been connected 
(2) with journalistic work, and in this capacity 
has become widely known. He was born on the 
22d of September, 1852, in the town of Norway, 
Racine County, Wis., and comes of Norwegian 
parentage. His grandfather, Kvan H. Heg, left 
his ance-stral home near Christiana, Nonvay, May 
17, 1H40, and in the following September took up 
his residence in Racine County, near Milwaukee. 
It may be interesting to note that he was one of 
the founders of the first permanent Norwegian 
colony in the Northwest, if not in America. The 
story the.se early pioneers sent back to the Old 
Country of the fertility of the land brought man\ 
mf)re of their sturdy countrymen, until Wisconsin 
and Minnesota received the larger number of this 
cla.ss of emigrants. The first Norwegian news- 
paper printed in America was that established in- 
Evan Heg and two others in 1843, in the back- 
woods of Racine Countv . Tlii'^ was the A'ord 



/asiI, which was published for a number of years 
in Racine Countj-, was moved to Janesville and 
then to Racine, and was afterward taken to Chi- 
cago. 

The father of our subject, Hans C. Heg, was a 
man of great ability and enterprise. When not 
yet twenty years of age he made the overland trip 
to California, in the year 1849, in .search of gold. 
He met with a fair degree of success, and on his 
return two years later embarked in farming on the 
old home.stead, but abandoned agricultural pur- 
suits in 1S59, when elected State Prison Connnis- 
sioner on the ticket of the uewly-organi/.ed Re- 
publican party. The office was then an elective 
one. and the term was for two years. On the ex- 
piration of that period he was re-elected, but re- 
signed to become Colonel of the Eifteenth Wis 
cousin Infantry, which was recruited by him, and 
was formed almost entirely of Scandinavians^the 
only regiment of its kind in the service. Col. 
Heg was killed Sepleml)er 20, 1863, at the battle 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



123 



of Chickamauga, while at the head of a brigade, 
having been brevetted Brigadier-General by Gen. 
Rosencran.s. 

We now take np tlie personal liistor)- of onr 
subject, who was graduated from Beloit College 
in the Cla.ss of '74, and a year later purchased an 
interest in the Lake Geneva Herald, which he has 
since edited. During a part of this time he had a 
partner in the business. From 1881 to 1886 he 
was engaged in the compilation of the ' 'Wisconsin 
Blue Book, ' ' in the office of the Secretary of vState, 
and made it the most valuable official document 
of the State. He served as Secretary of the Wis- 
consin Press Association for several j-ears, was 
elected President of that organization in 1891, and 
in 1892 was unanimously re-elected. In the same 
j-ear he was nominated for State Commissioner of 
Insurance, as the Republican candidate, but was 
defeated with the balance of the ticket, though 
he reduced the Democratic plurality of thirty -five 
thousand of two years previous to a little over 



seven thousand. In the spring of 1894 the Re- 
publican editors organized a Republican Press 
Association, and Mr. Heg was unanimously and 
against his de.sire elected its President. He is 
also a member of the Executive Committee of the 
National Editorial As.sociation, and has held var- 
ious local offices of honor, such as President of 
the School Board and Alderman, but has never 
sought political preferment. 

Mr. Heg married Miss Ella C. Clarke, daughter 
of Mills D. Clarke, of Beloit, and a granddaughter 
of Dr. Henry Clarke, an early .settler and promi- 
nent citizen of Walworth County, who served as 
a Member of the Council in the Fifth Legislative 
Assembly in 1847, when Wisconsin was yet a 
Territory. Six children, three .sons and three 
daughters, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Heg, 
but one daughter died in infancy. Those still 
living are Walter, Lois, Catherine, Elmer and 
Enie.st. 



HENRY H. WILLIAMS. 



HENRY H. WILLIAMS, a retired jeweler of 
Delavan, is one of the worthy citizens that 
Ireland has furnished to W^al worth County. 
He was born in Dublin, his father, Robert Will- 
iams, being also a native of that country, and for 
many years engaged in merchandising in Dublin. 
He married Miss Eliza Davisson, who w'as born 
in Ireland, as was her father, a wealthy merchant 
of Dublin, who was noted for his strict integrity 
and honesty in all bnsine.ss tran.sactions, and for 
his upright life generally. At his death he left 
considerable propert}- to his two children: Rev. 
Kilner Davisson, a mini.ster of the Church of Eng- 
land; and Mrs. Williams. The latter died when her 
son Henry was oidy four years old. The father of 
our subject was called to his final rest in 1840, aged 
.seventy-five years. He was a prominent citizen 
and was for many vears a member of the Common 



Council of Dublin. Both he and his wife were 
members of the Episcopal Church. In their fam- 
il}' were six children, three sons and tliree daugh- 
ters, but Henry H. is the only one now living. 

During his early boyhood, Mr. Williams of 
this sketch made rapid progress in his .studies, 
and at the age of fifteen was able to translate the 
New Te.stament from the original Greek. At 
that time, however, he was bound out as an 
apprentice to learn the watch-maker's trade, 
which he followed in Ireland until August, 1848, 
when he cros.sed the broad Atlantic to America. 
In May of the following year he came to Delavan 
and opened a jewelry and watch-making estab- 
lishment, which lie carried on until 1891, when 
he retired to private life, his son Howard succeed- 
ing to the business. Mr. Williams built up an 
excellent trade, which from the beginning con- 



124 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



stantly increased, until it yielded hini a gotxl in- 
come and made- him one of the substantial citi- 
zens of tile comnuinit\-. 

In 1S37, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. 
Williams and Miss Jane Curraii, dau>;hler of 
Thomas and Susan (Ireland; Cnrran. l)otli of 
whom were natives of Ireland. To them were 
born six children, two sons and four dau<;hters: 
Su.san, wife of Charles James, of Beloit, Kan., by 
whom she has five children; Henn-, who is mar 
ried and lives with his wife and two children in 
the State of Wa.shington; Ivlla and Jane: Robert, 
who lives with his wife and five children in Bur- 
lington, Kan., where he is engaged in the hard- 
ware business: and Annette, now Mrs. Atwood. 
Both the latter and her husband, Rev. I. J. At- 
wood, M.D., are missionaries in China, sent by the 
Congregational Church. They have three chil- 
dren. The mother of this family died January i , 
1853, in the faith of the Episcopal Church, in 
which she held membership. 

On the 22d of December following, Mr. Will- 
iams was united in marriage with Mrs. Amanda 
Curtis, daughter of Peter and Sarah (Wilson) 
Keeler. Two children graced this union. How- 



ard, the elder, who is now engaged in thejewelrj- 
business in Delavan, married Miss Reljecca Tay- 
lor, by whom he has a daughter, Mary. Ed- 
ward married Miss Carrie Phoenix, and is repre- 
sented elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Williams 
was called to her final rest November 27, 1892. 
She and her hu.sband had traveled life's jouniev 
together for thirty-nine years, and the home was 
indeed made desolate when she was called away. 
In his political views, Mr. Williams was fonn- 
erlv .1 Pree-Soilcr, but since the organization of 
the Republican party has been one of its warm 
advocates. He ser\'ed as a member of the \i\- 
lage Board for two years, and for many years was 
an active worker in the temperance cau.se. He 
now owns a good home and other property in 
Delavan, which supplies him with all the comforts 
of life. He has lived here for forty-five years, 
and has therefore witnessed almo.st its entire de- 
velopment. As the work of progress has been 
carrietl forward, he has not looketl idly on, but 
has given his time and means for public improve- 
ment, and the best interests of tiie community 
have fomul in him a friend. 



KDWARl) 1UM)^■. 



[~I)WARI> lUXDN', who is successfully en- 
1^ gaged in farming on .section 36, Hloonifield 
^_ Township, claims New York as the Stale of 
his nativity, for he was born in Truxton, Cort- 
land County, on the 31st of August, 181 9. He 
is descended from good old Revolutionary' stock, 
his paternal grandfather having been one of the 
heroes in the War for Independence. The parents 
of our subject, Sanfonl and Lavina (Tallmanj 
Bundy, were both natives of New York, and there 
spent their entire lives. The father died at the 
advanced age of eighty-se\en, and his wife pas.sed 
awaj- in 1846, at the age of sixtj'-five. They at- 
tended the Congregational Church, of which Mrs. 



Hun(l\- was a member. In the family were the 
following children: Ebenezer T.: George: Mar- 
shall: Julina; Henry; Elbridge and Edward, 
twins: Daniel T. and DeWitt C, twins; and 
Enuna M. 

The subject of this sketch is now the only sur- 
\iving member of the family. He resided at his 
home in the l-jnpire State until after he had at- 
tained his majority, and in September, 1842, he 
started westward. He came to the Territon- of 
Wisconsin, and entered from the Government 
eighty acres of land, which he at once began to 
improve and cultivate. The following year he 
returned to his old home and spent the winter. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



125 



but in the spring again came to the Badger State, 
and purchased, on two different occasions, forty 
acres of land. During his residence in Walworth 
County he has always given his time and atten- 
tion to agricultural pursuits, and now owns a 
good farm of one hundred and fifty-six acres, 
which is under a high state of cultivation and 
well improved. He was formerly engaged in the 
raising of Poland-China hogs, also paid consider- 
able attention to stock-raising, and is now the 
owner of a fine flock of sheep. In connection with 
his other interests he is engaged in the dairy 
business, keeping some fifteen cows for that pur- 
pose. 

A faithful companion and helpmate has Mr. 
Bund}- found in his wife, who in her maidenhood 
was Frances Reed, daughter of Charles and Lovina 
(Chapman) Reed. Their marriage was celebrated 
on the 2d of December, 1836, and to them were 
born three children, but two are now deceased: 
Emma Annette, who died at the age of twenty 
months; and Chapman L,., who died at the age 
of twent}--three years. Frank E. married Miss 
Adella Gardner and they have two children , Emma 
Antoinette and Frank Merrill. 

Both Mr. aud Mrs. Bundy are members of the 
Congregational Church at Geneva Junction, and 
take an active interest in everything pertaining to 



its welfare. He has ser\-ed as Deacon for many 
years, and is also a Trustee. In his political 
views, he is a Republican. His residence in Bloom- 
field Township covers a period of fiftj'-two j-ears, 
and he has therefore witnessed the growth and 
development of the county, has seen its wild land 
transformed into beautiful homes and fanns, has 
watched its hamlets become villages and thriving 
cities, and has witnessed the changes which have 
placed the county among the foremost of the 
State. 

Mr. Bundy came to the West with a capital of 
only $125, and for his claim he paid $100. He 
went through all the experiences and hardships 
incident to pioneer life, but now has a beautiful 
home and farm property, which is pleasantly 
located within a mile and a-half of Geneva Junc- 
tion. Everj'body in the township knows and re- 
spects Deacon Bundy. He is a man of strong 
character, strictly honest and straightforward in all 
his dealings, and the confidence of those who 
know him is g^ven him without reser\-e. He is 
about six feet in height, and well preserved for one 
of his age, his seventy-five years resting lightly 
upon him. The history of Walworth County 
would be incomplete without the record of his 
Hfe. 



DANIEL B DEVENDORF, M. D. 



0ANIEL B. DEVENDORF, M. D., who for 
many 3'ears has engaged in the practice of 
the medical profession in Delavan, was born 
in Columbia, Herkimer Coimty, N. Y., on the 
17th of March, 1820, and is a son of Henry S. 
and Elizabeth B. (Bellinger) Devendorf who 
were natives of the Empire State. The grand- 
father, Solomon Devendorf was born in Mont- 
gomery County, N. Y., where he spent his entire 
life, dying at the age of seventy-eight years. His 
time and attention were always given to agricul- 



tural pursuits. He reared a large family, and one 
of his daughters reached the advanced age of 
ninet\--four years. The maternal grandfather, 
Daniel Bellinger, was also a New York farmer, 
and served as a soldier in the War of 1812. 

The father of our subject made fanning his 
life work, and was a prominent aud influeutial 
citizen of the communitj^ in which he made his 
home. He took quite an active part in politics, 
supporting the Democratic partj-, and .ser\-ed as 
Super\-i,sor, Justice of the Peace. Commissioner 



126 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



of Emigrations, aiul in other offices. In 1857 
he came to the West and retired from active busi- 
ness life. He died while visiting in Ft. Phiin, 
at the age of scventy-sevc-n years, and his re- 
mains were brought home and interred in Spring 
Grove Cenieter> of Delavan, Wis. His wife 
j)as.sed awa\' a few years previous, at the age of 
sixty. They were both members of the Univer- 
s.ilisl Church. In their faniil> were eight chil- 
dren, three sons and five daughters, four of whom 
are yet living: the Doctor; Chri.stine, widow of 
Paul H. Ring, of Ft. Plain, N. Y.: Martha C, 
of I't. Plain; and Lucian B., of I'tica, N. V. 

Dr. Devendorf was reared on a farm in Herki- 
mer County, acquired his early education in Clin- 
ton, and pursued a collegiate course of study in 
Geneva, N. Y. Wishing to enter the medical 
jirofession, he began study for that purpo.se in 
1.S41 , and in 1845 was graduated from the Geneva 
Medical College. Soon after\vards he opened an 
oflk-e in Frankfort, X. Y.. and there engaged in 
]>ractice for eight years. He then .spent one year 
in Mohawk and two years in Tonawanda, and 
in i.Ssf' came to Delavan. 

During the late war. Dr. Devendorf entered 
the service with the First Wisconsin Infantrj-, 
being a])pointed Assistant , Surgeon, and continued 
with that regiment for a year, when he was de- 
tailed and made Po.st Surgeon at Danville, K\ . , 
where he remained until April, 1863. In Ma\- 
he was commissioned Surgeon of the Nineteenth 
Wisconsin Infantry, and stationed at Suffolk, \'a. 
Gen. James A. Garfield, chief of Gen. Rosecrans' 
staff at Murfree.sboro, Tenn., i.ssued the la.st 
order the Doctor received while in the Depart- 
ment of the Cumberland, telling him to report to 
his regiment in X'irginia, where he remained 
four months. He was then appointed Surgeon 
of the Fourth Brigade, in the lughteenth Army 
Corps, and .served as such until the spring of 
1864, when he was appointed by Gen. William 
F'. Smith as medical inspector of his staff, and 
remained with him until the following October, 
when he was ordered to report for duty at Chesa- 
peake Hospital. Ft. Monroe, \'a. There he con- 
tinued until March, 1865, when he was detailed 
as medical pur\eyor of the Arni\ of the James, 



with headquarters at Deep Bottom, on the James 
River, a short distance below Butler's famous 
Dutch Gap Canal. When the Dutch Gaj) was 
o])cned he sailed the first boat, the hos]>ital tug 
■'Constitution," through the canal. 

When the war was over. Dr. I)evend(jrf at 
once returned to Delavan, and has been engaged 
in ])ractice here continuously since. He was 
married on the 20th of October, 1851, to Miss 
Helena Dygert, daughter of Warner Dygert, of 
Herkimer County, N. Y. Four children have 
been born to them. Joseph S., the eldest, secured 
a position in 18S2 with the United States .Survey 
in Colorado, and thus .serx'ed for eighteen months. 
He is now a tobacconist in Milwaukee. He 
married Mi.ss Tres.sa Donnelly, and they have one 
son. I'rank H. married Miss Harriet Joslyn, 
and they have a son, Jose]>h. Their home is also 
in Milwaukee, and Frank is employed as a travel- 
ing .salesman. Nora L., twin sister of Frank, is 
the wife of Geoige J. Schuster, of Milwaukee, 
and to them have been born four children ; Helena, 
Donna, George and Daniel. The remaining child 
fif the famih- died in infancv. 

The Doctor is a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity, belonging to Delavan Lodge No. 121, 
A. F. & A. M. : Delavan Chapter No. 38. R. A. M. : 
and Beloit Conunandery No. 6, K. T. He also 
belongs to George H. Thomas Po.st No. 6, 
G. A. R.: to the National Medical .As-sociation; 
to the Grand Order of the Iroquois, a college 
society; and to the Society of the Science of Letters 
and Arts, of London. His wife holds mendier- 
ship with the Congregational Church. In his 
political views, the Doctor is a stalwart Republi- 
can, and though he has never been an office- 
seeker he served as Justice of the Peace for a 
short time, and for several terms was a member 
of the Village Board of Trustees. The fact that 
he has so long continued in the practice of medi- 
cine is one evidence of the success which has 
attended his efforts. He has for many \ears had 
a most liberal ])atronage, and his skill and ability 
are widely recognized, not only by the public, 
but also by his professional brethren. He has 
been surgeon of the Chicago, Milwaukee & .St. 
Paul Railroad Company for thirty years, was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



127 



Physician of the Institute for the Deaf and Dumb 
for six years, and on the establishment of the 
Wisconsin Dental College at Delavan, he was 
appointed Professor of Surgerj' and Anatomy. 
For twenty-five years he has served as examining 



surgeon for United States pensions at Delavan. 
For ahno.st forty years he has resided in this city, 
and no one is more worthy of representation in 
the history of the C(nuit\-. 



GEORGE W. BARR. 



MEORGEW. BARR, who follows farming on 
|_ section 13, Linn Township, was horn in 
\^ Stockport, Columbia County, N. Y., July 
16, 1830. His father, John Barr, was a native of 
Renfrewshire, Scotland, born in 1792. After at- 
taining to man's estate he married Barbara Black, 
who was born in St. Andrews, Fifeshire, Scotland, 
in 1789. In 1828, with one son, his eldest child, 
he cro.ssed the Atlantic to the New World. The 
family followed the next year. He was a silk- 
weaver by trade, and the region in which he lived 
was noted for the fine shawls there maiuifactured, 
known as the Paisley shawls. After coming to 
the New World, he followed his trade for a year 
in New York City, and then engaged in the dye- 
ing business for several years. About 1833 he 
removed to Taunton, Ma.ss. , where he contiiuied 
in the same line of business for .seven years. On 
the expiration of that period he removed to Fall 
River, in 1840, and was made foreman of part of 
a calico print factory, which position he continued 
to fill until 1848, when with his family he sought 
a home in the West, locating in Linn Township, 
on the farm now owned b}' our subject. From 
the Government he entered one hundred and 
twenty acres of land, and began the development 
and cultivation of the farm on which he continued 
to reside until his death, which occurred in i860, 
at the age of sixty-eight years. His wife passed 
awaj' at the age of eightj'-four. 

This worthy couple were the parents of eight chil- 
dren, our subject being the only one born in this 
country. Only three are now living: Thomas, 
of Lake Geneva; Allen, who makes his home in 



Lawrence, Mass. ; and George W. James, who 
was a lithographer of Wa.shiugton, died at the 
age of seventy; John, who was connected with 
the Northern Pacific Railroad, died in Brainard, 
Minn., at the age of sixty-three; Ann, wife of 
Robert Duckworth, of Fall River, Mass., died at 
the age of seventy; Robert passed away at his 
home in Linn Township, at the age of fifty-two; 
and Mrs. Jane Law.son died at the age of seventy. 

George W. Barr acquired his education in the 
public schools of Massachusetts, and at the age of 
eighteen accompanied his parents on their re- 
moval to Wisconsin. Here he assumed the man- 
agement of the home farm, and always operated 
it for his father. At the age of twenty-three he 
began business in his own interest, and since 
coming to the We.st has been continuously en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits. He now owns 
one hundred and twenty acres of land, much of 
which is used for pasturage, as he is now in-* 
terested in dairy-farming, keeping about twenty 
cows for that purpose. 

On the ist of December, i860, Mr. Barr was 
united in marriage with Phoebe A. Merriam, a na- 
tive of Cicero, N. Y., and a daughter of Allen 
and Permelia ( Hutchins ) Merriam, the former 
born in Connecticut, and the latter in the Empire 
State. Three children graced their union: Carrie 
and Mary, who are now in Chicago; and Irene, at 
home. 

In his political views, Mr. Barr was in early 
life a Whig, and since the organization of the Re- 
publican party he has been a stanch adherent of 
its principles. He takes an active and commend- 



128 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



able interest in public affairs, and has frequently 
served as Township Super\'isor. He was first 
appointed to that office and filled the ]wsition for 
five years, serving as Ciiairman for one year. 
About four _\ears since he was again elected Su- 
pervisor, and is now Cliainnan of the Board. The 
prompt and faithful maimer in which he dis- 
charges his duties has won him high commenda- 



tion and led to his frequent re-election. Socially, 
he has l)een connected with the Masonic frater- 
nity for about twenty years, and is a member of 
Geneva Lodge No. 44, A. F. & A. M. He holds 
membership with the Congregational Church, 
and is a representative and progressive citizen, 
who williholds his support from no enterprise 
calculated to prove of benefit to the community. 



STEPHEN B. ABELL. 



THPHEN B. ABELL, a practical and pro- 
?\ t:;ressive fanner, now living on section 11, 
\yj Geneva Township, is numbered among the 
native sons of Walworth County, and is a repre- 
.sentative of one of the honored pioneer families. 
He was born in Bloomfield Township, January 
22, 1854, and on the paternal side is of Engli.sh 
descent. His grandfather, Henrv Alxdl, was a 
native of Massachu.setts, but for many years lived 
in the Empire State. He there died, leaving .seven 
children, among whom was Alfred Abell. the 
father of our .subject. He was born in New York 
in 1826, and in his native State spent the days of 
his boyhood and youth. When he had reached 
mature years he was joined in wedlock with Mar- 
ietta Carpenter, who was born in New York in 
1833, and was a daughter of Caleb Carpenter, who 
was a native of New York Cit\-, and of German 
lineage. He lived in the Ea.stern metropolis dur- 
ing the greater part of his life, but his last days 
were spent on a farm in the Empire State. He 
served as a soldier during the War of 18 12. 

Mr. and Mrs. Abell became the parents of three 
children, of whom two are now living. In 1852 
the fatlier started westward and took up his res- 
idence in Bloomfield Township, Walworth County. 
Wis., where he became the owner of an eighty- 
acre farm of unimproved land. To this he after- 
waril added twenty acres, making his home 
thereon for several years. • He then sold out, and 
purchased one hundred acres on section 1 1 , Ge- 



neva Township, on which he continued to reside 
tmtil called to the home beyond. He was a 
broad-minded and public-spirited man, deeply in- 
terested in all that went to further the best inter- 
ests of his adopted county. He at one time repre- 
sented his di.strict in the State Legislature, and 
was frequently called upon to ser\-e in local pcsi- 
tions of public trust. For five years he was Chair- 
man of the Board of Supervisors, and his able ad- 
ministration of affairs won him the commendation 
of all concerned. His life was a busy and useful 
one, and his sterling worth gained him the high 
regard of all. He died in May, 1882, at the age 
of fifty-six years. His wife pa.ssed away in the 
following Novemljer, at the age of fifty years. 

We now take up the personal history of our 
subject, who is one of the well-known citizens of 
Walworth County, for his entire life has here been 
passed. He was educated in the public schools, 
and was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, 
becoming familiar with all the duties of farm work 
at an early age. On the ist of January, 1879, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Laura Stanford, 
daughter of John and Laura i Hart) Stanford, 
both of whom were natives of Pennsj'lvania. 
Their union has been blessed with two children, a 
.son and daughter, ICarl Rus.sell and Alice A. 

In his political views, Mr. Abell is a Republi- 
can, having supported thai ]>arly since he attained 
his luajority. .Socially, he is connected with the 
Modern Woodmen of America. Both he and his 



\ 



m 



Mks W 1>. Ciiaimn 




W. D. Chapin 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



133 



wife hold an enviable position in social circles and 
their home is noted for its hospitality. Mr. Abell 
is a wide-awake and enterprising young man, and 
is regarded as one of the public-.spirited citizens 
of this comniunitx-. He successfully follows farm- 



ing, and his rich and arable tract of land is under 
a high .state of cultivation and well improved. 
Having witnessed the greater part of the growth 
and development of the county, he is familiar with 
its history from an early day. 



WILLIAM DENSMORE CHAPIN 



pCjlLLIAM DENSMORE CHAPIN, a re- 
\ A/ tired farmer, who through well-directed 
Y V efforts has acquired a comfortable compe- 
tence, which now enables him to lay aside busi- 
ness cares, makes his home in the beautiful town 
of Lake Geneva. The record of his life is as 
follows: He was born in the town of Heath, 
Franklin County, Mass., April 2S, 1814, and is 
one of a family of thirteen children, whose 
parents were John and Clari,s.sa (Patterson) 
Chapin. They too were natives of the old Bay 
State. The grandfather, Jacob Chapin, was 
born in the .same state, and traced his ancestry 
back to Samuel Chapin, who .settled in Spring- 
field, Mass., in 1636. The great-grandfather, who 
was named John Chapin, lived to the advanced 
age of eighty-four j'ears. Jacob, who followed 
farming throughout his entire life, reached the 
age of seventy- two. He was a leading member 
of the Congregational Churcli, and his life was in 
harmony with his profe.s.sions. His brother Isaac 
was one of the heroes of the Revolution, and 
drew a pension in recognition of his services. 

John Chapin, father of our sul)ject, was one of 
a family of three sons and .six daughters. With 
his family he removed to Livingston County, 
N. Y., in 1828, and in 1838 came to Wisconsin, 
locating in the township of Bloomfield, Walwortli 
County, where he purchased a fann of two hun- 
dred and forty acres. To this he added a tract 
of eighty acres, and continued its im]>ro\enient 
until 1862, when he sold out and removed to 
Lake Geneva. A year later he went to live with 
his son, our subject, with whom he remained lui- 

6 



til his death, which occurred December 29, 1865, 
at the age of seventy-five years and nine months. 
He too was a prominent member of the Congre- 
gational Church, served as a Deacon in the East, 
and on coming to Wisconsin was made an Elder. 
He served as Superv'i.sor of Bloomfield Township, 
and took an active and commendable interest in 
everything pertaining to the welfare of the com- 
nuuiity. The mother of our subject bore the 
maiden name of Clarissa Patterson. She was 
born in Massachusetts, and was a daughter of 
Jonathan Patterson, who was a native of the .same 
state, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He too 
followed farming. His death occurred in west- 
ern New York, when about .seventy -five years of 
age. 

Mrs. Chapin died April 23, 1871, at the age of 
seventy-eight years. Of her thirteen children, elev- 
en grew to manhood and womanhood, and four 
yet survive: W. Den.smore; Lyman, of Waverly, 
Iowa; Monroe, who is living in Yerndale, Minn.; 
and Mariette, wife of Ezra P. Gifford, of Bloom- 
field Town,ship, Walworth County. 

Mr. Chapin whose name heads this notice re- 
mained in Ma.ssachu.setts until about fourteen 
years of age, and then spent five years with his 
parents in New York. In the autumn of 1833 
he again went to his native state, but the winter 
of 1834-35 was sjient in the Empire State. In 
the fall of the latter year he removed to Ohio, 
where he continued until the fall of 1836, when 
we again find him in New York. In the .spring 
of 1837 he arrived in Chicago, and, after purchas- 
ing a pair of boots, hafl a capital of seventy-five 



'34 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



% 



cents left. He then came to Lake Geneva, walk- 
ing all the way from Ft. Sheridan, and reaching his 
destination on tlie 4tli of June. Since that time 
he lias resided in Walworth County, and is num- 
bered among its most honored pioneers. Pur- 
chasing a farm of two hundred and forty acres in 
Bloomfield Town.ship, he long engaged • in its 
cultivation. He at first owned a pig, a .scythe 
and an ax, and with these he started out for him- 
.self. He began to till his land by spading it, but 
as time gassed he has added all the con\'eniences 
of a model farm, and the latest improved ma- 
chinen,-. He still owns his first purcha.se, and 
in addition has a tract of eighty acres. 

On the 29th of Sejjtember, 1847, Mr. Chapin 
married Mi.ss Lorette Hyde, daughter of David 
and Dollie (Church) Hyde, the former a native of 
Xew York, and the latter of \'ermont. Together 
this worthy couple have traveled life's journey 
for forty-seven years, sharing with each other its 
joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity. 
Mr. Chapin is a memlx:r of the Masonic fra- 
ternity, and in politics is a Republican. He has 
served as Town Clerk and Town Treasurer for 
several terms: was Supervi.sor ten terms, during 



which time he ser\'ed as Chainnan of the Board; 
and in 1856 and 1857, he represented his di.strict 
in the St.Tle Legislature. His merit and ability 
called him to these offices, and the prompt and 
faithful manner in which he discharged his duties 
won him the commendation of all concerne<l. 

In addition to his fanu lands, Mr. Chapin owns 
a good home in Lake Geneva, where he has re- 
sided since 1885. He has witne.s.sed the entire 
development of the county, for at the time of his 
arrival there was not a house in the township of 
Hloomfield, or even a bridge. In the work of 
public improvement and advancement he has al- 
ways borne his part, and is therefore numbere<l 
among the valued citizens of the conununity. 
He is a man of good education, well informed on 
the questions of the day, and still relishes a good 
joke. He is well pre.ser\'ed, and though now 
eighty years of age, looks much younger. Mrs. 
Chapin also bears her age well, and this worthy 
couple, by their pleasant, genial manner, have 
won friends whose good esteem will go with them 
through life, and whose wish it is that they may 
> et be spared for many years to enjoy the well- 
earned fruits of their labors. 



CHARLKS S. IRKXCII. 



EHARLIiS S. FRENCH is engaged in the 
practice of law in Lake Geneva. The record 
of his life is as follows: He was Ixjrn in 
lUirlington, Vt., on the 26th of July, 1856, and 
is the only child of William H. and I{rmina K. 
(Byington) F^rench, both of whom were also na- 
tives of the Green Mountain State. His father 
was Probate Judge of Chittenden County, Vt., for 
many years, and on his retirement from the 
Bench devoted his time and attention tu farming. 
His death occurred in his native State in 1867, at 
the age of fifty-three years, since whidi time 
his widow again married, her .second husband 
being William 11. Lewis, who is also now de- 



cea.sed. W'illiam 11. French was a leader in 
political circles, and was the first Republican 
candidate for Congress ever nominated in \'er- 
mont. Possessing more than average ability, he 
aro.se to a position of prominence, and won the 
high regard of all who knew him. 

The paternal grandfather of Charles S. was 
born in \'ermont, and was of linglish descent. 
He carried on farming as a means of livelihood, 
and at an advanced age was called to his final 
rest. The maternal grandfather, An.son Bying- 
ton, was al.so a farmer of the Green .Mountain 
.State, and was a pronounced Alxilitioni.st. 

Our subject lost his father when he was (juile 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



135 



3'oung. At the age of ten years he accompanied 
his mother on her removal westward, and during 
the greater part of the time since has lived in 
Walworth County. His primary- education, ac- 
quired in the district schools, was supplemented 
b)' .study in the public schools of Chicago and 
Lake Geneva, and afterward he attended the Nor- 
mal School of Whitewater, Wis. Having de- 
termined to enter the legal profession and make 
it his life work, he began the study of law, at the 
age of nineteen j-ears, in the office of John A. 
Smith, of Lake Geneva, and was admitted to the 
Bar in 1879, since which time he has been en- 
gaged in practice in this place. He lived with 
his mother in Chicago from 1866 until 1867, but 
with that exception he has known no other home 
in the West than his present one. 

In 1878 Mr. French married Miss Ida W. New- 



berry, a daughter of E. O. and Nellie (Loomis) 
Newberry, of Lake Geneva. Five children grace 
this union, three sons and two daughters. 

Mr. French is a Republican, and lias been 
honored with a number of local offices, having 
served as Village Clerk for a number of years; 
as Mayor from the year 188S until 1892, in- 
clusive (four terms ) ; and as City Attorney 
for several terms. After his admission to the 
Bar, he formed a partnership with his old pre- 
ceptor, Mr. Smith, and the connection was con- 
tinued initil the latter's death, in 1883, .since 
which time Mr. French has been alone in busi- 
ness. He is a lawyer of much abilitj', a man of 
.sound judgment and keen perceptive powers. 
He has therefore won success in his chosen pro- 
fession, and secures from the public a liberal pat- 
ronage. 



THEODORE DAVIS. 



'HEODORE DA\'IS, the efficient and well- 
known station agent on the Chicago & 
Northwestern Railroad at Genoa Junction, 
was born in New York City, on the -,tli of July, 
1865, and is a son of Cornelius and Mar}- Ann 
(Camperson) Davis, the former a native of Ger- 
many, and the latter of England. The father 
was a glazier and contractor, and did business in 
New York City along that line for many years. 
His death there occurred on the 19th of June, 
1892, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife 
still survives him, and makes her home in the 
East. She is a member of the Catholic Church. 
In their famih* were four children, three sons and 
a daughter: Lizzie, widow of J. C. Bock, and a 
resident of New York City; Louis, decea.sed; 
Jo.seph, who makes his home in New York City; 
and Theodore of this .sketch. 

In taking up the personal history of our sub- 
ject, we present to our readers the life record of 
one who is widelv and favorably known in this 



community, and one who through his own efforts 
has steadih' worked his wa}- upward. He maj' 
trul>- be called a self-made man, and deserves all 
the credit which that term implies. At the age 
of seven years he began to earn his own liveli- 
hood, working as a cash-bo\- in the drj^-goods 
house of Edward Ridley & Son, of New York' 
City, in whose employ he continued until eleven 
years of age, when he was brought to tlie West 
by the Children's Aid Society. He then began 
working on the farm of R. B. Acheson, who 
proved to him a benefactor, and with whom he 
continued for five years. He still calls that place 
his home. At the age of sixteen he began study- 
ing telegraphy with the Chicago, Milwaukee & 
St. Paul Railroad Compau}", with which he con- 
tinued for a year, when he accepted a position as 
book-keeper and cashier with Archie Read, a 
merchant of Janesville, Wis. A year later he 
went to New York City, and became timekeeper 
in the store of E. J. Denning & Co., successors 



136 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



to A. T. Stewart. The succeeding eighteen 
months of his life were thus passed, after which 
he dcttnniiied to return to the West, and again 
entered the employ of the Chicago & Northwest- 
ern Railroad Company at Jaiiesville. On the ist 
of December, 1891, he came to Genua Junction as 
night operator, and on the 19th of January, 1894. 
was made station agent and telegrai>h operator. 
Such in brief is the history of the iutere.sts which 
have connected him with this place. 



On the i6th of October, 1892, Mr. Davis was 
united in marriage with Miss Dora M. Graves, a 
daughter of Clarence A. and Melinda Graves. 
They have one child, a .son, Clarence A. The 
lady is a memljer of the Methodist Church. Mr. 
Davis is a member of the Modern Woodmen of 
America, and in his political views is a Republi- 
can. He takes an active interest in everything 
pertaining to the welfare t)f the comnuinity, and 
is a public-sjiirited and progressive citizen. 



IIIKA.M .\. STIBHS. 



NIRAM X. STUBBS, who is engaged in the 
manufacture of butter and cheese in East 
Delavan, is a native of the far-off State of 
.Maine, his birth having occurred in Hampden, 
PenoVjscot County, on the 21st of June, 1857. 
His father was born in Frankfort, Me., in 1832, 
and in May, 1856, was united in marriage with 
Miss Hannah J. Haker, who was born in Hamj)- 
den, Me., in 1839. Tiicy became the parents of 
four children, of whom H. N. is the eldest. Lydia 
J. is now the wife of W. H. Knowles, a resident 
of Bangor, Me.; Effa M. is the wife of Edgar L. 
Brown, who makes his home in Brewer, Me.: and 
Marston R. is now living in Bangor. 

In the public schools of the Pine Tree State, H. 
N. Stubbs acquired his education, and at the age 
of sixteen he started out in life for himself 
Since that time he has made his own way in the 
world, and the success he has achieved is due en- 
tirely to his own efforts. He learned the trade of 
brick-making, became familiar with it in all its 
departments, and carried on bu.siness along that 
line for a period of eight years. At length lie 
determined to seek a home in the West, and on 
the 27th of October, 1881, arrived in Spring Prai- 
rie, Wis. 

On the 1 6th of November of the same year, Mr. 
Stubbs was joined in wedlock with Mi.ssClara A., 



daughter of John Stubbs, of Maine. They resided 
in S]iring Prairie until the ist of April, 1884, 
when they removed to Springfield, and spent one 
\ear in that place. After that they were resi- 
dents of Elkhorn three years, but now live in 
Ea.st Delavan. Their home has been blessed by 
the presence of three children, but two died in early 
life and were buried in Ea.st Delavan Cemetery. 
Olive H., who was born -August 7, 1885, is with 
her parents. 

For several years, Mr. Stubbs worked b\- the 
month in a butter and cheese factory', and then 
jiurchased a half-intere.st in the e.stablishment, be- 
coming a member of the firm of Harris, Stubbs & 
We.st. He sub.se<iuentl\- bought out his partners' 
interests, and has now l)een alone in business for 
three years. His trade has constantly increa.sed, 
and during 1893 he purchased about two million 
l)()unds of milk. He turns out a fine grade of 
both butter and chee.se, and in con.sequence finds 
a ready sale for the same on the market. As his 
sales have increased, he has enlarged his facilities, 
and recentl\' has Imilt a creamery in the town of 
.Sugar Creek. 

Mr. Stubbs is a worthy member of the Masonic 
fraternity, being coimected with both the Blue 
Lodge and Chapter of Elkhorn. He also belongs 
to the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



' j/ 



he is a Republican, who warmlj- advocates the 
principles of his party, although he has never 
sought or desired public office. His life has been 



a busy and useful one, well and worthily passed, 
and he is recognized as one of the most highly re- 
spected and valued citizens of East Delavan. 



JULIAN M. CARP:V. 



flULIAX M. CAREY, who is engaged in gen- 
I eral merchandising in Genoa Junction, is a 
\Z/ native of the Empire State. He was born in 
the town.ship of Ira, Cayuga County, June 2, 
1844, and is one of six children, whose parents 
were David W'. and Jane E. (Ran) Carey. The 
father was born in New Lebanon Township, Co- 
lumbia County, N. Y., and the mother was a na- 
tive of New York City. The former devoted 
much of his life to agricultural pursuits, but from 
1855 until 1873 engaged in mining in California. 
The year 1846 witnessed his emigration we.stward. 
He located in Walworth Count}-, in the town of 
Bloorafield, and purchased a farm of one hundred 
and twenty acres, on which he made his home 
until 1852, when he removed to Keno.sha County. 
His wife died in March, 1855, and .soon after he 
started for California, where he remained until 
the spring of 1873. His death occurred in 1880, 
at the age of seventy-two years. He was one of 
the honored pioneers of Walworth County, and 
in an earlj- day served as Assessor and Clerk of 
Bloomfield Township. His wife, a most estima- 
ble lady, held membership with the Baptist 
Church. Of their three sons and three daughters, 
four are yet living: Milton B., who resides in 
Whitewater, Wis.; \'ictorine E., of Hebron, 111.; 
Julian M. of this sketch; and Therese A., wife of 
Thomas Norton, a resident of Chicago. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject, Amos 
E. Carey, was born near Cherrj- Yallej-, N. Y., 
and was a farmer by occupation. During the 
War of 1S12 he entered the army, and in recog- 
nition of his .services was given a land-warrant, 
which he located in Lee County, 111. He came 
to the West in 184A, and spent seven years in the 



Mi.ssi.ssippi \'alley, after which he returned to his 
native State, in 1853. He was a plea.sant, genial 
gentleman, fond of joking and laughter, and 
wherever he went made friends. His death oc- 
curred at the age of .sixty-eight years. 

Our subject was a child of only two years when 
his parents came to Wisconsin. He lived in 
Bloomfield Township until eleven years of age, 
when his mother died and the family was broken 
up. The succeeding seven years of his life were 
passed in the home of an aunt in Yermont, Fulton 
County, 111. In 1862 he returned to Genoa Junc- 
tion, and in Lake Geneva enrolled his name 
amoug the boj-s in blue of Company C, Twenty - 
second Wisconsin Infantry, with which he .ser\-ed 
until the close of the war. He was at the battle 
of Spring Hill, where most of the brigade was 
captured, among them Mr. Carey, who with fifty- 
nine others made his escape, returning to the 
regiment only to be re-captured on the 25th. The 
circumstances of the re-capture were briefly this: 
He joined a conunand of five hundred, which was 
seut to Brentwood Station to guard a bridge o\-er 
the railroad, but, with the exception of two, the 
entire number were made prisoners. About sev- 
enteen days later five hundred were seut north on 
parole. In the fall of 1863 Mr. Carey rejoined his 
command at Murfrecsboro, where he suffered an 
attack of smallpox. On the loth of March, 1864, 
he joined the regiment at Nashville, and on the 
19th of April started on the march to join vSher- 
man's army near Lookout Mountain. He took 
part in the battles of Re.saca, Snake Creek Gap, Al- 
toona Pass, Dallas Woods, Kennesaw Mountain, 
Peach Tree Creek, and a number of .skinnishes. 
He participated in the celebrated march to the 



138 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



sea under Gen. Sherman, wa.s at Goldsboro, N. C, 
when the Southern army surrenderee! to Gen. 
Grant, and marched across the Carolinas and 
through X'irginia to Washington City, where he 
was a particijianl in the (iiand Review — the 
grandest the world ever saw. 

Wlien the war was over, Mr. Carey lix-aled in 
McHenr\- Counlv, 111. In the fall of 1.S69 he 
started west by team, spent the winter in Kansas, 
and on the 2d of May, 1870, started from Law- 
rence, Kan., to California, where he remained for 
more than a year and a-half. During that time 
he was employed in a store for four months. He 
then returned to McHenrx Countv . 111., spent 
fifteen months in Chemung, and on the 14th of 
August, 1873, came to Genoa Junction, where 
he was employed as a sale.sman in a store owned 
by Mrs. Parmlee until .-\pril, 1874. In that year 
he embarked in merchandising for him.self, and 
has since continued business along that line. 

On the 2.sth of January, 1S74, Mr. Carey was 



united in marriage with Miss Adelia Bywater. 
To them have been lx>ni eight children, four sons 
and four daughters: Grace I., Myrtle J., D. 
William, May, Alice M., Blaine, Kddie and Sher- 
man. May and Kddie are now deceasetl, while 
the others are still with their parents. 

In his social relations, Mr. Carej' is a Ma- 
son, belonging to Genoa Junction Lodge, U. D., 
A. K. & A. M.; and also to J. B. McPhers<in 
Post No. 27, G. A. R., of Lake Geneva. His 
wife holds membership with the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. In jiolitics, he is a Republican, 
and .served as Town Clerk for two \ears. He 
owns a valuable farm of two hundred and eighty 
acres, one mile from his store, and is also engagetl 
in the milling and feed business, and is a dealer 
in ice. As a general merchant he is enjoying a 
good trade, carrying a full and complete stock. 
His success in busine.ss is due entirelj' to his own 
efforts, and his good management and enterprise 
have brought him a handsome competence. 



1 RANK M. DURKEE. 



r~R.\NK M. DURKEE, of Lake Geneva, is a 
JM dealer in coal, lime, cement and brick. He 
I ^ possesses the qualifications e.ssential to suc- 
cess, and is now recognized as one of the leading 
and enterprising busine.ss men of this jilace. He 
was born on the i2thof Januarj-, 1854, in Heuvel- 
tou, St. Lawrence County, N. V., and is a son of 
Harris and Elizabeth (Rogers) Dnrkee, who were 
also natives of the Empire State. The pa- 
ternal grandfather was born in the Green Moun- 
tain vState, but for man\- years followed farming 
in New York. He reared a family of .seven sons 
and a daughter, and died at the age of eighty-five 
years. The maternal grandfather was a native of 
vScotland, but spent nnich of his life in New York, 
and pa.ssed away at an advanced age. 

Harris Durkee followed farming in his native 
State and then engaged in the butchering business. 



Determining to try his fortune in the West, he 
took up his residence in Klkhorn, Wis., in 1856, 
and a few months later came to Geneva Town- 
.ship, Walworth County, where he followed farm- 
ing for about ten years. During that time he 
aided in the pre.servation of the Union, as one of 
the boys in blue of Company F, Fourth Wiscon- 
sin Infantry. He served for four years and two 
months, and was one of the valiant defenders of 
the Old I-'Iag and the cause it reiiresented. After 
his return from the war he sold his farm, and for 
a few years engaged in the bntclK-ring busine.ss 
in Lake Geneva. He then began dealing in coal, 
lime and brick, and continued business along 
that line until liis death, which occurred in May, 
1893, at the age of .sixlv-nine years. He .served 
as a member of the City Council of Lake Geneva, 
and in the cunununity was recognized as a pronii- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



139 



nent and highly respected citizen. His wife still 
survives him. In their family were the following 
children: Nellie, wife of C. R. Harrison, of River 
Forest, 111.; Anna, deceased; George, of Iron- 
wood, Mich.; and Frank M. 

When a child of two years onr subject was 
brought by his parents to Walworth County, and 
until twenty-two years of age he spent the days 
of his boyhood and youth in the usual manner of 
farmer lads. The district schools afforded him 
his early educational privileges, and later he at- 
tended the public schools of the town . His first in- 
dependent effort in life was as a clerk in a grocer)' 
store, and in that capacity he was employed for 
seven years. He then spent two years as brake- 
man on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, 



and then entered into partnership with his father, 
succeeding to the business on his father's death. 
On the 29th of November, 1881, Mr. Durkee 
was joined in wedlock with Miss Nellie Case, 
daughter of S. S. and M. F. Case, natives of Con- 
necticut. Two children have been born to them, 
Maurice Halford and Marjorie. Mr. Durkee is a 
member of the Ma.sonic fraternity, belonging to 
the Blue Lodge and Chapter of Lake Geneva, and 
to the Commander)' of Beloit. In politics, he is a 
Republican. For thirty-eight years he has lived 
in Geneva Township, and the fact that those who 
have known him from boyhood are numbered 
among his .stanchest friends indicates a well-spent 
life. 



P. R. JACKSON. 



r^ R. JACKSON is a member of the firm of 
L/^ Jack.son & Jackson Company, of Delavan, 
^-' dealers in boots, shoes, groceries, hardware 
and drugs. He began operations along this line 
in 1884, and during the past ten years he has 
built up an excellent trade and gained a reputation 
as one of the leading merchants of this place. 

Mr. Jackson has the honor of being a native of 
Wisconsin, for he was born in Geneva, September 
25, 1842, and is a .son of Levi and Lydia (Perry) 
Jackson, the former a native of Massachusetts, 
and the latter of New York. In their family 
were four children, three .sons and a daughter: P. 
Rockwell of this sketch; Stedman L., of Racine, 
Wis.; Matilda, wife of James Barlow, of Delavan; 
and Henry, who is living in Geneva. The 
father was a farmer l)y occupation, and on emi- 
grating to Wi-sconsin, in 1840, took up land from 
the Government a mile and a-half east of Elk- 
horn. He at first .secured one hundred and twenty 
acres, but to this he added from time to time until 
he had three hundred and twenty acres at the time 
of his death. During the late war he entered the 



Union army, as a member of Company B, Third 
Wisconsin Cavalry, and served three years. He 
held a number of local offices, but was never an 
active politician, and both he and his wife were 
members of the Baptist Church, in which he 
served as Deacon for many years. His wife sur- 
vived him until January, 1894, passing away at 
the ripe old age of eighty -three. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject, Abra- 
ham Jackson, was a native of Massachusetts, and 
was of English descent. He carried on farm- 
ing in the old Bay State, and also engaged 
in preaching as a minister of the Baptist Church. 
In his family were ten children. The maternal 
grandfather, Peter Perry, was a New York farmer. 
He lived to the advanced age of eighty-four. He 
.served as a Captain in the War of 1812, and was 
a relative of Commodore Perry, who won the 
famous battle on Lake Erie. 

In taking up the personal history of P. R. Jack- 
son, we learn that his entire life has been spent in 
Walworth Count)'. He was reared upon the old 
home farm and acquired his education in the pub- 



I 



140 



PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



lie schools. Wla-ii his father went to the war the 
care of the family devolved upon him, and the re- 
sponsible task was ably performed. After attain- 
ing his majority, he was for a time engaged in 
teaching through the winter season, while in the 
summer months he carried on agricultural ])ur- 
suits; but at length he laid aside farming, and in 
1884 came to Delavan. Here he embarked in his 
present line of business in connection with his 
brother, S. L., under the firm name of Jackson 
Hrothers. In 1887 the style was changed to Jack- 
sou & Jackson Company. 

On Chri.stmas Day of 1864 was celebrated the 
marriage of P. R. Jackson and Miss Josephine 
Ca.se, daughter of Henry and Annette (Leland) 
Ca.se, of (ieneva. Six children were born to 
them, three sons and three daughters: Emilj- 
I., now the wife of George Paden, of San Jose, 
Cal., by whom .she has two children, Dollie and 



Ralph; Marv A., wife of Henry C. Congdon, of 
Pawnee City, Neb., by whom she has two chil- 
dren ; Oeorge C. , who died at the age of two years: 
Francis C, who is now a student in Brown I'ni- 
versity in Providence, R. I.; and Ralph and Olive, 
who complete the family. 

The parents are both faithful members of the 
Bapti.st Church, in which Mr. Jack.son is now 
.ser\-ing as Deacon. The cause of temperance finds 
in him a warm advocate, and he votes with the 
Prohibition party. He now owns a fann of eightv 
acres in Geneva, a part of the old homestead, and 
has a good residence in Delavan besides his large 
business. He has lived in Walworth County 
since the days when Indians visited the settlement, 
has seen almo.st its entire growth and develop- 
ment, and has ever borne his part in its upbuild- 
ing. He well deserves represejitatioii among its 
honored pioneers. 



\ 



MARRISOX RICH 



HARRISON RICH, who is now living retired 
in Lake Geneva, claims New York as the 
State of his nativity, his birth having occur- 
red in O.swego County on the ist of April, 1813. 
His parents were John F. and Speedy ( Wadams) 
Rich. Both were natives of the Empire State, 
and were married January 20, iSoo. The paternal 
grandfather, David Rich, was born in 1740, and 
died May 5, 1820. His wife, P^lizabeth Rich, was 
born in 1738, and died March 13, 1827. Their 
children were Ruth, who was born April 18, 1761: 
lyucy, born January 21, 1763; Lalvin, torn Julv 
5, 1765; Hannah, who was born June 12, 1767, 
and died February 12, 1851; Luke, who was born 
October 4, 1769. and died May 21, 1852; David, 
who was born March 10, 1772, and died Novem- 
ber 25, 1795; John, father of our .subject, born 
May 10, 1779; and Dolly, who was born January 
12, 1782, and died August 24, 1872. 
The maternal grandparents of our subject were 



John and Eunice Wadams. The former died Au- 
gust 5, 181 2, and the latter August 16, 1803. 
Their children were Mrs. Mindel Smith, whodie<l 
May 6, 183S; Enos, who died December 7, 1836; 
Martha, who died Augu.st 30, 1832; Mrs. Esther 
Smith, who died June 29, 1826; Alexander, who 
died Januarj- 5. 1840; Mrs. Purlina Rich, who 
died Augu.st 8, 1824; and Mrs. Speedy Rich, 
mother of our .subject, who died April 5, 1847. 

John F. Rich was born May 10, 1779, in the 
ICmpire State, and was a farmer b\ occupation. 
Emigrating westward, he located in Walworth 
County, where for many years he made his home. 
His la.st twelve years were .spent in the home of 
his .son Harri.son, and he died in Lake Geneva, 
May 22, 1S67. His wife pa.ssetl away April 5, 
1847. They were highly respected citizens, and 
believed in the doctrine of ITniversali.sm. In 
their family were seven children, two sons and 
five daughters, but our subject is now the only 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



141 



surxivor. Horace, who was boni November i , 
1800, was married in April, 182 1 , to Bessie Hough, 
and died August 3, 1850. Eliza, born April 15, 
1803, became the wife of James Filkins, March 2, 
1826, and died Octobers, 1867. Emily, boni De- 
cember 27, 1805, became the wife of Orin Parke, 
February 25, 1826. Her first husband having 
died, she was married, April 29, 1850, to Washing- 
ton Searl, who passed away April 24, 1862. She 
was called to her final rest No\ember 16, i86i. 
Permelia was born March 25. 1807. Julia Ann 
was born Julj- 4, 1810, and in November, 1837, 
became the wife of Thomas Norton, whose death 
occurred Maj- 31, 1852. She was again married, 
and died September 12, 1873. Mary Ann, twin 
sister of our subject, was born April i, 1813, and 
died April 5, 1880. Cornelia, born February 25, 
181 7, was called to the home beyond May 5, 1887. 
Mr. Rich whose name heads this record was 
reared in the county of his nativity and in its dis- 
trict .schools acquired his education. Having ar- 
rived at man's estate, he led to the marriage altar, 
September 12, 1839, Miss Martha Stewart, a na- 
tive of Mas.sachusetts, born November i, 18 16. 
Se\'en children graced this marriage. Rosamond, 
who was born September 3, 1840, became the 
wife of E. L. Baker, but she and her husband are 
now deceased. They had two children, Charles 
M. and Mar}- Louise. Mary Louise married vSte- 
phen Harris, and lives in Providence, R. I. They 
have two children, Sarah and a baby. Charles 
M. married Miss Beymer, and they ha\-e one child, 
Clara Beymer Baker. They live in Los Angeles, 
Cal. Marshall, born January 17, 1843, makes his 



home in Eureka, Nev. Francis, born March 12, 
1848, is living at home. Horace, born April 22, 
1850, married Miss Alice Barber, and makes his 
home in Red Wing, Minn. He has three chil- 
dren, Clarence, Janet and Marion. William, born 
February 24, 1853, married Loui.se McMaster, 
and they have two children, Rosamond and 
Ralph. John, born December 30, 1856, married 
Miss Catherine Willi.ston, and they reside in Red 
Wing, Minn. The_\- have three children, Wil- 
liston, Harri.son and Dorothea. George, born 
June 3, 1864, married Miss Annie Fellows, and 
they ha\-e four children, Howard Or.son, Warren 
Harrison, Bertha Georgiana and Evalyn Martha. 
In July, 1844, Harrison Rich came with his 
family to Wisconsin and located in Lake Geneva, 
where he has since made his home, covering a 
period of half a century. During the first six 
years after his arrival he engaged in keeping hotel, 
and then turned his attention to farming. The 
old homestead is now operated by his son George. 
In 1892, Mr. Rich was called to mourn the loss 
of his wife, who died on the i8th of February. In 
politics, he is a Democrat and has been honored 
with a number of local offices. He has served as 
Supenisor, was Mayor of the city one year, and 
for a number of years was Alderman. His life 
has been a busy and useful one, and he is now en- 
joying a well-earned rest. He is numbered 
among Walworth County's honored pioneers, who 
ha\'e not only witnessed the upbuilding, but ha\-e 
aided in the development of this locality, and it is 
therefore with pleasure that we present to our 
readers this record of his life. 



WILLIAM J. CUTTERIDGE. 



|ILLIAM J. CUTTERIDGE is the efficient 
and popular Postma.ster nf Lake Geneva, 
and one of its wide-awake and enterprising 
citizens. He takes a commendable interest in 
ever\"thing pertaining to the welfare of the c<Mn- 



iiuniity, and his support and co-operation are 
never withheld from what he believes will prove 
of public benefit. 

On the 27th of August, 1864, in Albany, N. 
v., ]\rr. Cutteridge was born. He is a son of 



142 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



John aiul Klizaljeth { Barry ) Cutteridge, the 
former a native of England, and the latter of Ire- 
land. The grandfather, John Cutteridge, died in 
ICngland. The father continued to make his 
home in his native land until 1854, when he 
crossed the briny deep and took up his residence 
in Albany, N. V., where he lived until 1.S69. 
Thai >ear witnessed his emigration westward, 
and during the succeeding five years he made his 
home in Darien, Wis. On the e.\i)irati()n of that 
period he came to Lake Geneva, where he has 
since followed his trade of shoe-making, an occu- 
pation which has been his life work. His wife 
left the Emerald Isle alx)Ut the year 1854, and they 
were married in Albany. During the late war, 
Mr. Cutteridge served for one >ear in Company 
H, Xinety-first New York Infantry. He is a 
member of the Episcopal Church, and Mrs. 
Cutteridge lielongs to the Catholic Church. They 
became the parents of five children, four sons and 
a daughter: John, who makes his home in Chi- 
cago; Mary, George A. and Cliarles, all of Lake 
Geneva; and William J., whose name heads this 
sketch. 

Our subject was a child of only four years when 
his parents came to the West, and since lliat 
time he has lived in Darien and Lake Geneva. 



When (juite young he began learning the trade of 
painting, pajiering and decorating, and to that 
work devoted his time and attention for aliout 
eight years. He then liegan traveling as a mu- 
.sician with various dramatic and operatic coni- 
paiiies. Five years were thus pa.s.sed, but for the 
last eight years he has lived con.stantly in Lake 
Geneva, working at his trade of ])ainting and 
decorating. 

On the 20th of October, 1887, Mr. Cutteridge 
was united in marriage with Miss Maggie Clark, 
daughter of John and Lavina cCove>) Clark. 
Their union has been ble.s.sed with three children: 
Carroll C. Kenneth E. and William J. Mr. 
Cutteridge is a member of Geneva Lodge Xo. 44, 
A. K. & A. M.; and belongs to the Episcopal 
Church, with which he has been connected for 
some years. In politics, he is a supporter of the 
Democratic party and its principles, and in 1890 
he served as a member of the City Council from 
the First Ward. In 1893, he received the ap- 
pointment of Postmaster of Lake Geneva, and 
entered upon the duties of his ofiice on the ist of 
Februar\-, 1894. He pos.sesses much musical 
talent, and has been a memljer of different bands 
for about ten vears. 



DR. Bi:Rr C. CAMPBELL. 



0R. BERT C. CAMPBELL, who is engaged 
in the practice of dentistry in Lake Geneva, 
where he has built up a large business, was 
born in Perry Townshiji, Dane County, Wis., on 
the Tith of F'ebruary, iS6,S, and, on the paternal 
side is of Scotch lineage. His grandfather Camp- 
bell was a native of .Scotland, and on crossing the 
briny deep to the New World, located in \'irginia, 
where he .ser\'ed as an officer iu the regular mili- 
tia. He reared a family of five children, and died 
at the age of seventy years. His wife pa.ssed away 
at the age of eighty-three. 



.Sanuiel C. Campbell, father of our sul)ject, is 
a retired farmer living in Monroe, Wis. He came 
to the West in 1845, and took up his re.sidence in 
Perry Township, Dane County, where he made 
his ln)nie for twenty years. In 1 863 he removed to 
Green County, Wis., where he re.sided on a farm 
for twenty-five years. .Since then he has lived a 
retired life at Monroe, Wis. He has held various 
township offices, and is regarded as one of the 
leading and influential citizens of the community 
in which he resiiles. He married Miss MartliaJ. 
Cook, a native of Abingdon, \'a. Iler father, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



143 



who was also born in Virginia, was of German 
and French descent. To Mr. and Mrs. Campbell 
were born seven children, five sons and two dangh- 
ters, namely: James Robert, a resident of Ean 
Claire, Wis.; Frank B., of Minneapolis, Minn.; 
Charles C, of Darlington, Wis.; Alfrette, wife of 
E. H. Miller, of Monroe, Wis.; Addie A., wife of 
R. A. Etter, of Monroe; Ulysses G., who makes 
his home in Ean Claire; and Bert C. of this .sketch. 
The mother of this family was called to her final 
rest November 26, 1893. She was a member of 
the Methodist Epi.scopal Church, as is Mr. Camp- 
bell, who has served as Stew^ard, Trustee and 
Class-leader for .some years, taking an acti\e part 
in church work. 

During his infancy. Dr. Campbell was taken 
by his parents to Green County, Wis., and was 
reared in York Township initil .seventeen \-ears 
of age, acquiring his early education in the vil- 
lage of Postville. Later, he attended the High 
School of Monroe, after which he engaged in 
teaching for a year and a-half During this 
time he read medicine, but, determining. to engage 
in the practice of dentistrj^ he entered the Chi- 
cago College of Dental Surgery in the fall of 1890, 



and was graduated therefrom in 1892. In June 
of that year he opened an office in Lake Geneva, 
where he has since been successfully engaged in 
practice. 

On the 19th of October, 1893, Dr. Campbell 
was united in marriage to Miss Grace Eliza- 
beth Hanna, daughter of S. S. Hanna and 
Clarissa (Fellows) Hanna. Both hold member- 
.ship with the Methodist Epi.scopal Church, and 
the Doctor is now .serving as Steward and Cla.ss- 
leader. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, 
the Knights of Pythias lodge, and the Good 
Templars Society, and in politics is a Prohibition- 
ist. Well versed in the science of dentistry , he keeps 
abreast with everxthing connected with his pro- 
fession, and is now enjoying a fine practice, which 
from the beginning has constantly increased. He 
is one of Lake Geneva's best citizens, and his 
sterling worth and many excellencies of character 
have gained him high regard. The Doctor has 
served three years in the State militia, but is now 
retired from the service on an honorable discharge. 
He holds two commissions from his commanding 
Colonel. 



WASHINGTON ROSS. 



(D Washington ROSS, an honored veteran 
\ A / of the late war, now living in Lake Gen- 
VY eva, has taken a prominent part in the 
public affairs of the county, and has been a leader 
in the political circles of this locality. As a rep- 
resentative citizen, he well deserves mention in 
this volume, and with pleasure we present his 
sketch to our readers. He was boni in Geneva 
Tow^nship, January 16, 1845, and is a son of 
William Pangborn and Polly Maria (Herrick) 
Ross, the former a native of Railway, N. J., and 
the latter of Yates County, N. Y. The father 
was a farmer and school teacher, and taught the 
first .school in his neighborhood. The year 183S 



witne.ssed his arrival in Walworth County, and 
on section 22, Geneva Township, he purchased a 
farm of one hundred and sixty acres, to the cul- 
tivation and development of which he devoted 
his energies until his death, which occurred Feb- 
ruary 10, 1887, at the age of .sevent3--four years 
and ten months. His wife pa.ssed away in May, 
1884. They were both members of the Baptist 
Church, and he served as Church Clerk about 
thirty xears. He was also Town Connnis-sioner 
in the early days when Wisconsin was a Terri- 
tory, and was a leading and influential citizen. 
In the Ross familj- were seven children, three 
sons and four daughters, of whom three are yet 



144 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



living: Moses, of Klgiii, Minn.; Washington; 
and Eliza, wife of James W. Howie, of Geneva 
Township. 

The paternal grandfather of our .subject, Morris 
Ross, was horn in New Jersey, and was a carriage- 
maker and blacksmith by trade. For some time 
he carried on a large shop in Railway, N. J. In 
1838, he came to Wiscon.sin, and for a few years 
followed farming in Geneva Township, after 
which he embarked in black.smithing in Lake 
Geneva. In 1855. he removed to Columbia 
County, Wis., where he died in 1867, at the age 
of eight\-four. In his family were five sons and 
three daughters. The maternal grandfather of 
our subject. Jacob Ilerrick, was born in New 
York, of English ancestry, and was a Major in 
the New York militia. In 1843, he took up his 
residence in the Territory of Wisconsin, locating 
on .section 2 1 , Geneva Township, Walworth 
County, where he died in 1859, at the age of 
sixty-nine. He was a school teacher and sing- 
ing teacher, as well as farmer, and for nearly 
fifty years he was a Deacon in the Uaptist Church. 
He was married at the age of nineteen, and not 
oidy reared his own family, but su])ported his 
yoiniger brothers and sisters, for their fatlier died 
in early life. 

We thus see that Washington Ro.ss is a repre- 
sentative of honored pioneer families of his na- 
tive county. The old homestead on which he 
lives was his place of residence in his boyhood 
and youth. The patent to this place was granted 
by William Henr>- Harrison. Thniin;h the win- 



ter season he attended the district school, and in 
the summer months aided in the labors of the 
farm, plowing, planting and harve.sting. In 
January, 1864, he enlisted in Company F, Fourth 
Wisconsin Infantry. The regiment, however, 
furnished a mount, and became cavalry troops. 
Mr. Ross ser\ed for two years and five months, 
and during much of this time was bugler of his 
company. After the war he returned to the fann. 
where he remained until 1870. 

On the 3i.st of August of that year our subject 
married Miss Orpha Emeline, daughter of Rod- 
ney and Augusta L>(lia (Hall) Gilbert, the form 
er a native of Columbia County, N. Y., .ind the 
latter of Massachusetts. I'our children have been 
born to them, but Martin F. died in infancy. The 
others are Gilbert L., Rolfe, Newton and Emil 
.\ugustus. 

The jiarents are both members of the Haptist 
Church. Mr. Ro.ss is an Odd Fellow, and his 
wife holds membership with the Daughters of 
Rebecca. In politics, he is a Republican, for two 
years served as Chairman of the Town Board, 
was Assessor eight years. Justice of the Peace 
twelve years, and School Treasurer ten years. 
Ills Iniig continuance in office well indicates his 
fidelity to dut\- and the confidence and tni.st re- 
po.sed in him. He has a farm of one hundred and 
twenty acres, a good home in Lake Geneva, and 
is a stockholder in the I'armers" Butter Company. 
Through his own eflurts he has become a sub- 
stantial citi/en, and de.ser\-es great credit for his 
success. 



FRANK S. MOORi:. 



[~RAXK. ,S. MOORI-: is one of the enterpris- 
JM ing ;ind jirogrcssive citizens of Lake Geneva. 
I ' He is now engaged in the hardware busi- 
ness and carries a full and complete line of shelf 
and heavy hardware, stoves, tinware, etc. 
Straightft)rwanl ;ind honorable in all his dealings, 



and courteous in the treatment of his ]iatrons, he 
has won from the public a liberal patronage, which 
is well deser\'ed. 

Mr. Moore has the honor of being a native of 
the Badger State, for he was born in Beloil, on 
the 27th of October, 1853. His parents, Charles 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



145 



and Harriet (Clark) Moore, were both natives of 
New Hampshire. The father was a farmer b\- 
occupation, and about fiftj- years ago made an 
overland trip to Wisconsin, locating in Beloit. 
Mrs. Moore long .survived her husband, and was 
a .second time married, becoming the wife of 
Alpha Oaks. The}- are now residents of Cald- 
well, Idalio. Both Mr. and Mrs. Moore were 
members of the Presbyterian Church. In their 
family were three children: Frank S. : Andrew H., 
of Durand, 111.; and Nellie A., wife of James 
Morris, of Philadelphia. 

In taking up the personal history of Frank S. 
Moore, we present to our readers the life record 
of one who is widely and favorably known in this 
locality. The first five years of his life were spent 
in his native city, and he then went to Freeport, 
111., for his mother had married again. There 
he remained for a period of .six years, after which 
he became a resident of Lena, III., working on a 
farm for .seven years. At the age of eighteen he 
began learning the tinner's trade in Lena, and 
was there employed for two years, after which he 
.spent three years in the same line of busine.ss in 



Beaver Dam, Wis. It was in the spring of 1871 
that he became a resident of Lake Geneva. Here 
he worked for several >-ears at his trade in the 
emploj of others, and then purchased a half-in- 
terest in the hardware store of .Smith & Ingham, 
buying Mr. .Smith's intere.st. Their partnership 
continued for about seven years, when Mr. Ing- 
ham sold out, since which time Mr. Moore has 
been sole proprietor. 

On the 5th of January, 1875, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Moore and Miss Mary Blair, 
daughter of Isaac and Mary (ReddLsh) Blair. 
One child graces their union, Helene. Mrs. Moore 
is a member of the Congregational Church. In 
politics, our subject is a Republican. He served 
as Alderman of the First Ward in 1892. He has 
a good home and other property in Lake Geneva 
besides his .store, having met with succe,ss in his 
undertakings here. He is an indefatigable worker, 
and his industiy and enterprise have made him 
one of the .substantial citizens of the community. 
He is also a public-spirited and progressive citi- 
zen, in whom the best interests of the neighbor- 
hood find a friend. 



RICHARD D. SHORT 



QlCHARD D. SHORT, proprietor of a livery 
1^ stable at Lake Geneva, is one of Wisconsin's 
"\ native sons. He was born in Waterford, 
January 9, 1850, and is one of four children who.se 
parents were Richard and Martha ( Barnes ) Short. 
The father was Ijorn in Virginia, and was a ma- 
son by trade. In an early day he emigrated to 
the West and located in Waterford, where he 
made his home until the breaking out of the late 
war, when he responded to the country's call for 
troops, enlisting in the Nineteenth Wisconsin In- 
fantrx'. He .served for four years, was taken pris- 
oner, and died from starvation in a .Southern pris- 
on. His wife, who was a member of tlie Congre- 
gational Church, passed away al)out two years 



previous. Her father was one of the heroes of 
the Revolution who valiantly aided the Colonies 
in achieving their independence. The members 
of the Short family are: Aimie, wife of Lacon 
Hand, of Lake Geneva: .Sarah, wife of Linneas 
Hand; Richard 1).; and Adaline, wife of Mr. 
Nellis. 

Mr. .Short whose name heads this record .spent 
the days ofjiis boyhood and youth in his parents' 
home in Waterford, there remaining until eigh- 
teen years of age. The jtublic .schools afforded 
him a good English education, which he has sup- 
plemented by reading and observation, becoming 
a well-informed man. In 1S69 he came to Wal- 
worth Count>-, locating in Lyons Town.ship, 



.46 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



where he worked by the month until embarking 
in the livery business in I.ake Geneva in 1873. 
He now has a livery, boarding and sale stable, 
supplied with first-class lurnouts, and from the 
public he receives a liberal patronage. 

On the 14th of October. 1S75, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Short and Mi.ss Nellie M. 
Briggs. The ladj- is a daughter of Thomas and 
Mary K. (Wells) Hriggs, both of whom were na- 
tives of Mas.sachusetts. To them have been born 
five children, three sons and two daixghters, and 
the family circle yet remains unbroken. They 
are George H., Perry A., Charles R., lidith L. 
and Mary A. 

Mr. .Short exercises his right of franchise in 



support of the Republican party, and has been 
honored with .some local offices. He .served as 
Justice of the Peace for two \ears, and was re- 
elected for another term in the .spring of 1894, 
and was Alderman of the First Ward in 1889 and 
1890. He discharf.;ed his duties with a i>rompt- 
ness and fidelity that advanced the best interests 
of the city, and won him high commendation. In 
connection with his Inisiness he owns a farm of 
forty acres two miles .south of Lake Geneva, and 
one of twenty-seven acres in Richmond Township, 
besides his present home. This materially adds 
to his income, and has made liim one of the sub- 
stantial citizens of the communitw 



CHARLES DHRBV BLAxXKE. 



E1I.\RLKS DKRHV 151.ANKK, who is now 
cni])loyed as a salesman in Genoa Junction, 
and is one of the popular and highly re- 
spected citizens of this jilace, was born in Hrook- 
Ij-n, N. Y., on the 3d of August, 1859, His 
parents, Ferdinand Joseph and Loui.sa (Knobbe) 
Blanke, were both natives of Gennany, and the 
father was a shi])smith by trade. The year 1832 
witnessed his emigration to America. He cro.ssed 
the Atlantic in a sailing-vessel, and locating in 
New York City, there made his home for .some 
years, his time and attention being given to his 
trade. He was thus employed until 1865, when 
he determined to seek a home in the West, and 
removed to Milwaukee, Wis., where he spent two 
years. On the expiration of that period he took 
up his residence in Whitewater, which has been 
his home since 1867. He owns a farm nearby, 
in Cold Spring Township, Jefferson County, and 
is now well-to-do. In an earl\' da\' he si.r\eil as 
a meml)er of the New York .State Militia, and for 
ninety days wore the blue during the Civil War. 
He and his wife are both members of the Ivi)isco- 
pal Church, and in the commnin'tx where they 
live are held in high regard. 



The i)aterMal grandfather of our subject was 
al.so a native of Germany, and came to America 
in 1S32. He died in Ohio in the prime of life. 
His family numbered five children, three sonsand 
two d.uighters. The maternal grandfather, Will- 
iam Knobbe, was a native of Germany, and, hav- 
ing emigrated to America, .spent his last days in 
Kenosha Countx , Wis., where lie dieil in 1872. 
He was a cooper by trade. 

Charles D. Blanke is one of a family of ten chil- 
dren, seven .sons and three daughters. The 
daughters and four .sons are yet living. They 
are: Maria There.sa, widow of W. A. Sutter, of 
Whitewater, Wis.: Clara, wife of W. H. Wright, 
who is also li\ing in Whitewater; Charles I).; 
Ferdinand W., who makes his home in White- 
water; lulward Arthur, a resident of Twin Lakes, 
Wis.; and Louis Jolm and Antoinette, al.so of 
Whitewater. 

Mr. Blanke of this sketch was onlv six years 
old when by his parents he was brought to the 
West. He was reared in the city which is still 
the home of the greater jiart of the family, was 
educated in its public schools, and then entered a 
store. For the past twenty-one years he has been 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



147 



connected with mercantile life, and is an excellent 
salesman. He worked for eight years and four 
months in Kenosha County in one .store, and then 
came to Genoa Junction, where he has lived for 
twelve years. He is now with J. M. Carey, and 
is a trusted employe, ever awake to the interests 
of the establishment with which he is connected. 
On the 1 6th of September, 1885, Mr. Blanke 
was united in marriage with Mi.ss Kate Leone 
Harrison, a daughter of Orville N. and Sallie A. 
(Dodson) Harrison, both whom were natives of 



Pennsylvania. They are well-known people of 
Genoa Junction. Their home is the abode of 
hospitality, and their friends in the community are 
many. Mr. Blanke is a member of Genoa Junc- 
tion Lodge No. 3, I. O. O. F., and belongs to 
the Episcopal Church. He exercises his right of 
franchise in support of the Republican party, and 
is now holding the office of Town Clerk, which 
position he has filled since 1885. No higher tes- 
timonial of his faithful .service could be given than 
his long continuance in office. 



FESTUS A. WILLIAMS. 



r"ESTUS A. WILLIAMS, who follows farming 
r^ on section 31 , Geneva Township, is numbered 
I among the honored pioneers of Walworth 
County, and for more than half a century has 
lived within its borders and shared all the expe- 
riences and hardships of frontier life. He has ahso 
aided in the development and upbuilding of the 
county, having never been a disinterested witness 
of its progress. He therefore well deserves rep- 
resentation in its historj-, and it is with pleasure 
that we present this record of his life to our 
readers. 

Mr. Williams comes of a family of Welsh ori- 
gin. His grandfather, Ephraim Williams, spent 
his entire life in Massachusetts, where he died at 
the age of ninet)-.seven j-ears. He was the 
founder of the village of Ashfield, Mass, , and 
built the first sawmill at that place. Among his 
family of eleven children was Israel Williams, fa- 
ther of our subject. He too was born in the Bay 
State, and there married Miss Lavina Joy, a na- 
tive of Massachu.setts. Her father was a .soldier 
of the Revolution, and died at the age of seventh- 
years. In the Williams family were eleven chil- 
dren, nine of whom grew to mature years, while 
eight of the number became residents of Wi.scon- 



sin. Only two are now living, Francis, of Ea.st 
Hartford, Coim., and Festus A. Those who 
came to the West were Moses D., Israel, Lavina, 
Royal, Austin, Hainiah, Fordyce and Festus. 
Four of the number, Mo.ses, Israel, Royal and 
Austin, emigrated to the Badger vState in 1836. 
The following year the parents and their other 
children, accompanied by Mrs. Williams and her 
mother, Mrs. Hannah Joy, arrived at Kaye's 
Park, Wis., where they .spent six weeks. They 
then took up their residence at what is now called 
the Nine Oaks, owned by Ed E. Ayer. Mrs. Joy 
died at the old home at Williams Bay, September 
ID, 1838, and was buried on the old home place, 
beside the graves of Chief Big Foot's two wives. 
She was sevent)--seven }-ears of age when she 
died. 

The State had not then been admitted to the Un- 
ion, and no public land sales had taken place. The 
county was in its wild and primitive condition, giv- 
ing little evidence of the growth and cultivation 
which were so soon to work a great transformation. 
The father secured a .squatter's claim of eighty 
acres, claiming the land liy stripping the bark from 
trees on the corner of his property, and then plac- 
ing the name and date thereon in red chalk. A 



148 



rORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



])erson could live upon the claim for thirty days, 
and iIkh it would he considered his property, if 
in the mean time, he had begun to make improve- 
ments upon it, thus showing that he wished it for 
a home. Tlie family camped under a tree while 
a log hou.se was being Iniilt. In the latter part of 
October, 1S37, Israel Wiliams cro.s,sed Lake Gen- 
eva and made another claim of eighty acres, but 
the family had to live on the first claim until after 
the land sales were instituted. Mr. Williams 
afterward purchased more than a thou.sand acres 
of Government land, and at the time of his death 
owned si.\ hundred acres. He pa.ssedaway Octo- 
ber 14. i<S4f), at the age of fifty-seven, and hi^ 
wife died in 1852, at the age of sixty-five. In 
religious faith, they were Presbyterians. He was 
one of the first Commissioners of Walworth Conn 
tv, ser\'ed as Super\'isor several terms, and was 
the first Postmasterof the town, which was named 
Geneva Bay — now Williams Bay — in his honor. 
His wife made the first chee.se in Walworth 
County, in 1838. and the>' were honored jiioneers. 
Fe.stus A. Williams was not \et five \ears of 
age when his parents came to Walworth County. 
He acijuired his early education in the old-time 
district schools, and afterward attended Beloit 
College and .Shebo\gan College, and completed 
his education in Bloomfield, Conn. His sister- 
in-law. Mrs. Lucinda Williams, taught the first 
school in this part of the count)-, in i8_^,S. On the 
i.^th of March, 1855, our subject married Miss 
Alljertiue L. Stevens, daughter of Thomas and 
.•\rmilta 1 Putter 1 Stevens, the former a native of 
X'ermont. and the latter of Hartford, Comi. Her 
father died in Missouri, aged eight_\-si.\. and 
her mother died at the home of Mrs. Williams, in 
March. 1889, at the advanced age of uinet\ -three. 
They lived at Rock Prairie and at Kmerald Grove 
for many years, having located in Rock Count) . 
Wis., when the country was very new. Three 
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams. 
The eldest. Fordyce, is living in Colon. Central 
.\nierica. Flora is the wife of George Willis, a 
farmer re.siding in Delavan Township, and to them 
have been born two children. Lena and Wilbur 
Helen is still with her j>arenls. 



For five years Fe.stus Williams lived at White- 
water, and in the spring of 1859 .started for Pike's 
Peak, but on reaching Omaha he went down the 
.Mis.souri River, and at Council Grove struck the 
Santa Fe Grand Road and went to Santa Fe, 
X. M. From there he went down the Rio Grande 
River to Albmjuercjue, where he worked for two 
months at caq^entering. He traveled on foot, 
carrying his rifle, for a distance of aljfiut fifleen 
hundred miles. He spent one month in Los Le- 
ata, after which he went to lil Paso, and thence 
started homeward. He engaged in hunting to 
.some extent in the Comanche country, and in 
December, 1859, reached Missouri. lyocating in 
Kirksville, he contracted for the building of a 
house, which he completed in July. 1S60, and 
then returned to the old home farm at Williams 
Ba\ . purchasing a part of it. In 1864 he went 
.South, and spent seven months on a cotton plan- 
tation near Natchez, Miss. In 1866 he removed 
his family to Jamestown. \'a.. where he carried 
on a .se\-en-lhou,sand acre plantation for his broth- 
er and a .Mr. I'ield. Of this he had charge for 
five years, when his brother sold his interest to 
his partner, and Festus Williams, returning 
Xortli, lix'ated in Beloit. Wis., where for four 
years he managed a pajJer-mill owned by his 
brother. On the expiration of that jH/riod he re- 
turned to the old home.stead. on which he has 
since resided. 

Both .Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of 
the Bapti.st Cluireh at Lake Geneva, in which he 
is now serving as Deacon. He also belongs to 
the Patrons of Industr\-, and, in politics, is a Re- 
publican. In iS.s.S he- served as Townshij) .Su 
pervisor, and for twenty years has Ijeen a member 
of the School Board. His farm comprises one 
hundred and sixt>- acres of rich land, and is un- 
der a high slate of cultivation and well improved. 
He is now the oldest resident in (iene\a Town- 
sliij). IIeli\ed in the count\- when they had to 
take a four-da\s trip to mill, and the nearest 
postoffice was Racine. Its growth and develop- 
nienl he has watched with conunendable pride, 
.ind in its progre.ss he has been warnih intere.sted. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



151 



JOHN W. SWILER. 



(TOHN W. SWILER, tlie efficient and faithful 
I Superintendent of the Wisconsin School for 
(2/ the Deaf, located in Delavan, was born in 
Cumberland Count}-, Pa., December 14, 1844. 
His father, Christopher Swiler, was a native of 
Pennsylvania, and the grandfather, Jacob Swiler, 
was also born in the Kej-stone State, of German 
ancestry. He was a mainifacturer, and formany 
years owned and operated a woolen -mill. He 
reared a large family, and lived to an advanced 
age. Emigrating to Illinois, his la.st days were 
.spent in Moinnouth. 

In early life Christopher Swiler was a miller, 
but in 1852 he removed to Monmouth, 111., pur- 
chased a farm, and has since made his home 
thereon. He wedded Mary Mullen, a native of 
Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Alexander Mul- 
len, who was born in the Ke\'Stone State, of Iri.sh 
parentage, and was a veteran ofthe W^arof 1812. 
By trade he was a blacksmith, and followed that 
business until pa.st the age of eighty years, when 
he was forced to abandon it on account of failing 
eye-sight. He was three times married, and his 
family numbered twenty-one children. His death 
occurred in Hender.son Countj-, 111., at the ripe 
old age of ninety-five years. Mr. and Mrs. .Swiler 
are still living in Warren County, and are prom- 
inent and active members of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. To them were born two daugh- 
ters and a son, but one daughter died in infancy. 
The other, Agnes, is now the wife of George Joss, 
of Monmouth, 111. 

The son is the gentleman whose name heads 
this record. He re.sided in Illinois from 1852 
until 1880, and acquired his education in Mon- 
mouth College. During the winter of 1864-65 he 
attended Bryant & .Stratton's Business College, 
graduating in the Class of '65 in Philadelphia, and 

7 



in that year he engaged in the book trade in Mon- 
mouth, in which he continued for about two years. 
He afterwards pursued his studies in Jacksonville, 
and in 1867 entered the State in.stitution for the 
deaf and dumb in that city, there remaining as a 
teacher until 1880. In the mean time he was 
married. On the gth of June, 1869, Miss Harri- 
et Chandler became his wife. She is a daughter 
of George and Matilda (Goddard) Chandler, the 
former a native of Maine, and the latter of Ken- 
tucky. Three children grace the union of Mr. 
and Mrs. Swiler: George C. , Ruth E. and Elsie M. 
In 1880 Prof. Swiler resigned his position in 
Jacksonville to become .Superintendent of the 
Wi.sconsin School for the Deaf and Dumb in Del- 
avan. This school is one of the UKist connnenda- 
ble public institutions of the State. It receives 
and educates without charge all deaf mutes above 
the age of eight years, teaching them v.-riting, 
reading, composition, arithmetic, geographj', 
history, natural science, penmanship and draw- 
ing, also calisthenics and gymna.stics. In the 
.shops are taught printing, cabinet-making, shoe- 
making and baking, and in the domestic depart- 
ment the pupils are trained in household duties 
and in sewing. There are now eleven separate 
buildings for the care of this unfortunate class, 
and the average attendance is about two hundred. 
They are under the care of eighteen instructors, 
and the entire .school is superintended by Prof. 
Swiler, to whom the success of the institution is 
largely due. He is kind and considerate, and his 
own life is an example to his pupils, while liis 
influence never ceases to be felt by them. Their 
physical, mental and moral training are all looked 
after, and, though deprived of hearing and speech, 
the pupils of this school are an intelligent and 
refined class of citizens. Mr. Swiler has done 



'52 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



imich to advance the standard of excellence in 
this school, and dcsenes to he ranked among the 
most able educators of the State. 

In his political views the Professor is a Repub- 
lican, and is a very ]ironiinent Mason, belonj;ing 



take an active interest in church work, are Meth- 
odists in religious belief, and Mr. Swiler is now 
serving as Church Steward. The importance of 
his work cannot be over-estimated, and the State 
owes to him a debt of gratitude for his efficient 



to the Consiston- of Milwaukee. He and his wife .service. 



JAMES ARAM, 



^AMEvS ARAM is one of Delavan's leading 
I citizens. He has for many years been con- 
Q) nwted with its various interests, both busi- 
ness and social, and has done much for the up- 
building and develoiMuent of the city. Through- 
out the community he is held in tlie highest re- 
gard, and it is with jileasure that we present this 
record of his life to our readers. Horn near Utica, 
N. v., on the 9th of August, 1813, he is a .son 
of Matthias and Elizaljetli (Tompkins) Aram, 
the former a native of Vork.shire, England, and 
the latter of Cambridge, Washington Count\ , 
N. V. In their famil\- were nine children, five 
sons and four daughters. Kour of the sons are \et 
living, namely: Jo.seph, of San Jose, Cal.; James: 
William, of Oakland, Cal.: and John, of Idaho. 

The lalher "f tliis faniil\- was a harne.ss-maker 
:ind saddler in England. In 1S06 he emigrated 
to .America, and after a short time spent in New 
\'ork City purchased a farm near I'tica, N. V. 
Later he took u]) his residence in .Seneca, where 
he remained until 1.S2.S, when he went to Perry, 
\. v., there residing uiitil 1837. In that year 
he went to tlie Buckeye State, settling near New- 
ark, where he spent his remaining days, hisdeatli 
occurring in 1.S52, at tlie age of eighty-two years. 
His wife ]>assed awa\- in 1X45. Both were faith- 
ful meml>ers of the Methodist Church, and were 
earnest workers in its interest. Mr. Aram was 
iifver an office-seeker, but took an active interest 
in |)olitics. Before leaving his nati\-e land he 
served for four years in tlie Englisli army. The 
paternal grandfather, Joseph Aram, was born in 



Yorkshire, England, followed harness-making as 
a life work, reared a family of four children, and 
died at the age of sixty years. The maternal 
grandfatlier. James Tompkins, was born in Ire- 
land, of .Scotch -Irish parentage. His people were 
stanch Protestants. He came to America just 
after the Revolution and located in Cambridge. 
N. Y., but afterward removed to Hampton, X. Y. 
His death occurred at a ver>- advanced age. 

No event of special importance occurretl during 
the boyhood and youth of our subject, which 
were passed on the old home farm in New York. 
His education was acquired in .Seneca. WJien 
lie was a young man his fatlier loaned him .some 
money, and, purchasing land near Cleveland, 
Ohio, he tilt re engaged in farming for about three 
years, when, in the spring of 1H40, he came to 
Delavan, Wis., making the journey by team. 
Chicago was then a mere village on a wet prairie 
and gave no evidence of its future great import- 
ance. Mr. Aram purchased a tract of land of 
two hundred acres where East Delavan now 
stands, and selling it after three years, bought 
three hundred acres extending three-quarters of a 
mile on the east bank of Delavan Lake. This he 
cleared and improved, making it a very fine farm. 
There he raised an immense amount of grain and 
ke])t several hundred head of sheep. 

On the filii of January, 1836, Mr. Aram was 
united in ni:irriage witli Miss Susan Roml, daugh- 
ter of James and Hetsy ( Miilen Rood, the foniier 
a native of Connecticut, and the latter of New 
York. Three children were born of this union. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



153 



Mary A., Evelyn and Marion A., but all are now 
deceased, the first-named having died at the age 
of twelve years, and the second at the age of six, 
while Marion passed awa}- at the age of fourteen. 

In his political views, Mr. Aram is a Republi- 
can, and has been honored with several local 
offices. He served for fifteen years as Chairman 
ofthe Board of Super\'isors of the town of Dela- 
van, for one year as Chairman of the County 
Board, and was a member of the Board of Trus- 
tees of the Deaf and Dumb Institute at this place. 
For three terms he was President of the Village 
Board, and for a number of years was one of its 
Trustees. For twenty -eight years he has had 
charge of Spring Grove Cemetery, and in 1<S44 
was elected Justice of the Peace, but resigned that 
position, for his business interests occupied his en- 
tire time. 

The best interests of this communit}- have ever 
found in Mr. Aram a friend. He was instru- 
mental in securing the building of the Racine & 
Mississippi Railroad through this place and spent 
thousands of dollars in the enterprise. During 



the war, when President Lincoln called for vol- 
unteers and Delavan had been drained of recruits, 
he advanced the money necessary to go to Madi- 
son to fill the quota, .securing fourteen at $145 
each. For many years he has been Vice-Presi- 
dent of the banking firm of E. Latimer & Co., 
was a stockholder in the Walworth County Bank, 
and a Director in the National Bank of Delavan . 
He has owned several farms in tliis county, and 
now has three hundred acres of valuable farming 
land, together with a fine home and other village 
propert}' . 

Mr. and Mrs. Aram are members of the Old 
Settlers' Society and are honored pioneers of Wal- 
worth County, having for more than half a cen- 
tury resided within its borders. This worthy 
couple have been married for fifty-eight years, 
and along life's journey have traveled happily 
together amidst its joys and sorrows, its adversity 
and prosperit}'. In their declining years they are 
now surrounded by all the comforts of life and by 
the warm regard of many friends. 



CHARLES E. WILKINS. 



/2fHARLES E. WILKINS, a photographer of 
\C Delavan, was bom at Chub Creek, Minn., 
\J on the 5th of June, 1858, and is a son of 
Oren and Eliza (Watson) Wilkins. The family 
was probably founded in America at a verj- early 
day. The grandfather, James Wilkins, is a na- 
tive of New Jer.se}-, and is of Pennsylvania-Dutch 
extraction. He reared a large family of eleven 
children, and throughout his business career fol- 
lowed farming. He is now living retired near 
the old homestead at Allen's Grove, in the nine- 
tieth year of his age. 

Oren Wilkins was also born in New Jersey, and 
with his father came to Wisconsin, locating on 
Turtle Prairie, eight miles from Delavan, where 
lie was reared to manhood, After attaining to 



years of maturity, he married Miss Watson, a na- 
tive of England, and removed to Minnesota. 
During the late war he entered his country's 
ser\-ice, enlisting at Cedar Falls, Iowa, in 1861, 
as a member of the First Iowa Cavalrj-. He was 
assigned to Companj- A, and served for one year, 
when he was forced to return home on account of 
ill-heath. He never afterward fully recovered, 
and died of consumption at Allen's Grove, at the 
age of forty-two years. His wife still sur\-ives 
him, and, as was her husband, is a member of 
the Methodist Church. To them were born six 
children, but only three are now living: Mrs. 
J. H. Campbell, of Allen's Grove; Charles E.; 
and Mrs. W. A. Conry, also of Allen's Grove. 
Mr. Wilkins whose name heads this notice 



154 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



left his native State wIilmi ([iiitc young, removing 
with his i)arents to I(nva, wlicre they remained 
until after the close of the war. They then went 
to Allen's Grove, where our subject attended 
school until twelve _\ears of age, when his father 
died, and the care of the family fell largely upon 
him. His mother aided in the support of her 
children hy serving as Postmistress for about four 
> ears, after which the entire responsibility de- 
volved upon Charles. He followed various occu- 
pations whereby he might earn an honest dollar 
until 1880, at wliich time his mother received a 
pension as a soldier's widow, and bought a farm. 
This he o])erated for two years, and then began 
learning photography. In 1884 he established 
an office in Delavan, and has since been engaged 
in business at this place. 



On the 9th of April, 1883, Mr. Wilkins was 
united in marriage with Miss Mary McKinney, 
daughter of James McKinney, and their union 
has been blessed with one child, Florence. The 
parents are both members of the Congregational 
Church, and are highly esteemed people of the 
connnunity. Mr. Wilkin;? is also a member of 
the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a fine 
arti.st, owns a well-equipped gallery, and turns 
out work which would not suffer in compari.son 
with that of the best city galleries. F'rom the 
l)ublic he is now receiving a liberal patronage, 
which is well deserved. His life has not always 
been an easy one, in fact he has had to contend 
with a great many obstacles and difficulties, but 
he has steadily worked his way upward. 



WILLIAM C. BANE. 



|II,I,I.\.M C BANE is now living a retired 
life in Lake Geneva. A native of Wash- 
ington, Pa., he was born April 3, 1817, 
and is a son of William and Mary (Maguire) 
Bane. The family is noted for longevity. The 
grandfather, Lsaac Bane, a native of eastern Penn- 
sylvania, died at the age of ninety-two years, at 
which time he had two older brothers still living. 
He was a man of excellent physique, well formed, 
and .straight as an arrow. He reared a large 
familv and made farming his life work. The 
maternal grandfather was born in the North of 
Ireland, and was of Scotch descent. 

The parents of our subject were Ijolh natives of 
the Keystone State. There the father learned 
the tailor's trade, but in later life followed farm- 
ing. In 1855 he came to the West, and lived 
with his son William in Charleston, 111., until 
his death. His wife died in Penn.sylvania in 
1H52. in the faith of the Baptist Church, in which 
she held mcnihership. To tliem were born five 
sons and five daughters, but only three are now 



living: William C. : Isaac, of Douglas County, 
Kan.; and Margaret, wife of John Fulton, of La 
Salle County, 111. 

William C. Bane was reared in his native city, 
acquired his education in the conunon schools, 
and there remained until thirt\-seven years of age. 
Throughout his life he has been a speculator, 
dealing principally in live stock. In 1855 he 
.sought a home in the West, and hxrated in Coles 
County, III., where he resided until Jiuie, 1880, 
since which time he h.is made his home in Lake 
Geneva. He has led a bu.sy and useful life, and, 
in partnership with his brother-in-law, I-lzekiel 
Clark, was at one time the owner of fifteen hun- 
dred head of cattle. In 1860, with forty-nine 
others, he started for Chicago to attend tlie con- 
vention in wliich Abraham Lincoln was nominated 
for the Presidency. He there saw many of the 
mo.st prominent politicians of the country, and 
heard some of its best orators. 

On the 13th of October, 1841, Mr. Bane mar- 
ried Miss Martha McFarland, daughter of James 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



155 



and Amy (Cook) McFarland, who were natives 
of Pennsylvania. In her father's family were the 
following children: Hannah, Joanna, John, Amy, 
James and an infant, decea.sed; Martha; Noah 
C. , of Topeka, Kan. , appointed by Garfield as Sec- 
retary of the Land Office, and who served through 
Arthur's term; and Samuel, who was killed from 
his horse at the battle of Pea Ridge, Ark., hav- 
ing been ordered to take a battery. One-third of 
his regiment was killed at the .same time. Ten 
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bane, seven 
sons and three daughters. Oscar F. at the 
age of eighteen became a .soldier of the Civil War. 
He married Ella Clement, and after her death 
wedded Mary Crocker, of Boston. Mary F. and 
James M. are now deceased. Levi B. entered 
the armj' at the age of .sixteen and served as Ad- 
jutant. He is now a whole.sale clothier of Chicago. 
He married Georgie McGee, and they have two 
daughters, Florence and Mildred. William C, 
a clothier of Streator, 111., married Hattie Whee- 
lock, and after her death wedded Ella Wheelock, 



a half-sister of his first wife. Anna Belle is 
the wife of George H. Keeler, of Marietta, Ga., 
superintendent of the marble mines, which cover 
seven thousand acres in that locality. They have 
two sons, Oscar B. and Milton Eugene. Samuel 
is now deceased. Charles F. , who married Georgia 
Hollihan, by whom he has one son, Allen C, is 
engaged in the clothing business in Chicago. 
Rufus Haywood and Ella C. have also departed 
this life. 

Mr. Bane was reared as a Democrat, but hav- 
ing a will and opinions of his own he joined the 
Whig party, and ca.st his first vote for a Whig 
Governor in 1838. In 1840 he supported Will- 
iam Henry Harrison for the Presidency, and on 
the organization of the Republican party he joined 
its ranks, and has since been one of the earnest 
advocates of its principles. His wife is a mem- 
ber of the Congregational Church. They are 
numbered among the most highly respected citi- 
zens of Walworth County, and in the community 
their frioids are manv. 



AMOS STAFFORD. 



61 MOS STAFFORD, a retired farmer now 
LA living in Lake Geneva, is one of the pronii- 
/ I nent and honored citizens of Walworth 
Countj-. He was born in Saratoga County, 
N. Y., November 2, 1810, and is a grandson of 
Amos Stafford, one of the heroes of the Revo- 
lution. The latter was a native of Rhode Island. 
His father served in the British army during the 
French and Indian War, and died in Rhode 
Island from an attack of the smallpox, contracted 
in the army. Amos, who was then quite young, 
was taken by his uncle John to Pennsylvania, 
where he was taught to hunt and trap, a business 
which he followed in early life. In 1778, during 
the massacre of Wyoming, he seems to have had a 
miraculous escape. He was then nineteen years 
of age, and was sen'ing as one of the reser\e of 



riflemen. His three comrades fell around him, 
and he felt that his turn would be next, but he 
noticed that the fatal shots were preceded by a 
puff of smoke from behind a certain log, and as an 
Indian's head appeared at that place a bullet 
sped thither, and his life was saved. Retreating, 
he hoped to lie concealed in a wheat-field, but the 
Indians stumbled upon him and he was forced to 
run. Oneof the savages was at his heels with 
tomahawk lifted. A bru.sh fence lay in the wa\-, 
which he cleared at a bound; then turning, shot 
his pursuer dead. Throwing away his musket, 
he plunged into the river, and though followed 
by a shower of bullets, reached the other side, 
and hid in a marshy spring. There he remained 
over night, and the next two nights were spent in 
a hollow log. Once some Indians .sat upon the 



156 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



log, and he heard bullets rattling in their pouches. 
VoT three days and nights he lay concealed, 
without food and clothing, for the latter he had 
cast aside on swiinniing the river; but finaJIx he 
could stand it no longer, and ventured forth. Ik- 
happened to meet a band of men, among them a 
Tory whom he knew, and who said, "My God! 
Amos, how came you here .stark naked ?' ' He 
gave him food and clothing, and two nights later 
he reached the American camp to first tell the 
news of the ma.ssacre of Wyoming. After the 
war Amos .Stafford, Sr., located at Saratoga, at 
what is yet known as Stafford's Bridge, and there 
died in 1813, at the age of fifty-nine. 

The maternal grandfather of our subject, 
Jacob Fergu.son, was born in Dutchess County, 
N. v., near Poughkeepsie, and llirouglinut life 
followed farming. As he was a cripple, he sent a 
substitute to the Colonial army. His father was 
a Tory. Two of his brothers were in the British 
army, but both deserted and became American sol- 
diers. The grandfather died in 1843, at the age 
of eighty-four. The family name was originally 
spelled Forgason. 

Samuel Stafford, father of our subject, was born 
in New York, was a lumberman in earl}' life, and 
in 1825 ship])ed timber to New York City, where 
he sold it for .seventy cents per foot. He after- 
wards engaged in farming. In 1824 he left 
Saratoga and removed to \'ictor, Ontario County, 
where he die<l January 5, 1861, at the age of 
seventy-eight years. He held a inunber of offices, 
and was a prominent citizen. His wife, who bore 
the maiden name of Nancy Ferguson, and was 
born in New York, died in 1868, at the age of 
eighty. Of their family of six .sons and four 
daughters, only four are now living: Amos; 
Emily, widow of Alexander Simpson, of Victor, 
N. Y.; Nancy, who is the widow of William 
Sale, and now keeps a store in Victor, N. Y., 
dealing in fancy groceries and ladies' furnishing 
goods; and George Washington, of Oakland, 
Mich. 

Mr. Stafford of this sketch lived in Saratoga, 
N. Y., until fourteen years of age, and then 
went with his father's family to Victor, where he 
was reared on a farm. His education was ac- 



quired in the old-time subscription schools. 
After attaining to man's estate, he operated his 
father's fann on shares until leaving home. 
He was married May 20, 1832, to Miss Ann S., 
daughter of Stephen and Jane Ellis, natives of 
New York. Six children were born to them: 
Eliza, widow of Abner I'arnham; Sarah, wife of 
Jefferson P. Harlow, of Spring Prairie, Wis.; 
John Quincy. of .Spring Prairie: F'rancis G., of 
Idaho Falls, Idaho; Nancy, decea.sed; and one 
who (lied in iiifanc\-. The mother died Novem- 
ber 7, 1882. 

On the loth of May, 1887, Mr. Stafford wedded 
Mrs. Juliet Gardner, widow of Simeon Gardner, 
and a daughter of Robert Wells and Marj- 
(Knapp) Warren. Her father was the first 
settler in Lake Geneva, and lived in a double log 
house, which stood on the site of Mr. .Stafford's 
dwelling. He came with several families from 
Pennsylvania, Cornelius Van Velzer being one of 
the party. They first .settled in Geneva, 111., 
but in 1836 came to Lake Geneva, Wis., to which 
they gave the name. .Mrs. Fandiam, daughter 
of our subject, has one son, Luther l^arl, who 
married Hattie C. Allen, by whom he has two 
children. Florence Clare and Lila Ethel. Mrs. 
Harlow had three children. Carl .Stafford, the 
eldest, married Bertha Taylor, and died in Salem, 
Ore., leaving three children: Earl R., Roy and 
Florence. Jefferson G., the second, married 
Grace Chene\-. Florence Harlow is the wife of 
Clarence M. Reynolds, and has a daughter, Lynne 
Reynolds. Mrs. Stafford had two children by 
her first marriage: Charles Henry, a connnercial 
traveler, living in Lake Geneva; and Harriet 
Elizabeth, wife of Lyman E. White, a hardware 
merchant of Nevada, Iowa, by whom .she has 
five children: Charles, Ollie May, Nellie, War- 
ren and Zella. Mrs. .Stafford is a member of the 
Episcopal Church, and is now the oldest resident 
in Lake Geneva, whither .she came with her par- 
ents in 1S36. Her father was in business here 
until his death, which occurred December 30, 
1875, at the age of seventy-seven. His wife died 
July 27, 1879, at the age of seventy-three. 

For many years Mr. Stafford was a member of 
the Masonic and Odd Fellows' fraternities. In 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 



157 



early days he belonged to the militia of New 
York. In April, 1844, he reached Kenosha, 
Wis., and bought a farm of eighty acres in 
Bloomfield Township, Walworth County, which 
he improved, and to which he added until he 
had two hundred acres. Later he sold that farm 
and bought eighty acres on section 12, where he 
lived until 1857, when he bought a farm of two 
hundred and forty acres on section 4, there re- 
siding until March, 1883. The next four years 
were spent in traveling, since which time he has 
made his home in Lake Geneva. He served as 
Chairman of the Town Board of Supervisors for 



Bloomfield Township in 1859, and from r 866 to 
1873, with the exception of the year 1868. In 
1872 he was elected tp the House of Representa- 
tives, receiving nine hundred and thirty-six votes, 
while his opponent received only three hundred 
and ninety-nine. His prominence in public 
affairs was an acknowledgment of his worth and 
ability by his fellow-citizens. Faithfully has he 
discharged every duty devolving upon him, and 
the confidence and trust reposed in him have never 
been betrayed. He well desen^es mention among 
Walworth County's most honored pioneers. 



IRA P. LARNARD. 



^RA P. LARNARD, a real-e.state, insurance 
I and loan dealer of Delavan, is recognized as 
Ji one of the leading business men of Walworth 
County. For many j'ears he has been promi- 
nently identified with the upbuilding of this place, 
and in all po.ssible ways has aided in its advance- 
ment and upbuilding. The best interests of the 
community have found in him a friend, and his 
support is never withheld from worthy enter- 
prises. 

Mr. Laniard was born in Factoryville, now 
Waverlj% Tioga Count}-, N. Y., Januar}- 20, 
1 82 1, and is a son of Elisha and Nancy (Wilson) 
Laniard, the former a native of \'ermont, and the 
latter of the Empire State. In their family were 
two sons and six daughters, se\"en of whom are 
yet living: Ira P.; Asaph, of Waverly, N. Y.; 
Esther Ann, wife of W. W. Bradley, of Delavan; 
Christina, widow of William vSimons, and a resi- 
dent of Waverly ; Louisa, deceased, wife of Sam- 
uel Aldrich, of Waverly; Marj^ wife of J. F. Lat- 
imer, of Hampton, Iowa; Nancy, wife of J. O. 
Conrick, of Chamberlain, S. Dak.; and Emily, 
wife of Charles S. Onderdonk, of Delavan. The 
father of this family was a mechanic, carpenter, 



joiner, millwright and farmer. He took quite an 
active interest in public affairs, was a supporter 
of the Whig party, and held a number of local 
offices. His death occurred in Waverly, N. Y., 
in February, 1842, and his wife, who wasa mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church, pa.ssed away several 
years before. The paternal grandfather, Moses 
Laniard, was a farmer of the Green Mountain 
State, and ser\-ed as a soldier in the War of 1812. 
He was nearly ninety years of age at the time of 
his death, and at the age of eighty-four he would 
go into the field and mow grass with almost the 
vigor of young manhood. He reared a family of 
twelve children, and, with one exception, all lived 
to an old age, and .seven of the number were pres- 
ent at a family re-union held in West Halifax, 
Vt., in October, 1884, all meeting together for 
the first time in over fifty years. The combined 
age of the seven was six hundred and forty-six 
years and six month.s — a remarkable record of 
longevity. There were there present three gen- 
erations from one family and four from another. 

Upon his father's farm in the Empire State our 
subject was reared to manhood. During his youth 
he learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, and 



■58 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



followed that pursuit in New York until 1841, 
when he started westward. On the 1st of June 
lie reached Delavan, Wis., and has since made 
his home in Walworlli County. During tiie first 
three years after his arrival he lived upon a farm, 
and then removed to the town, where he followed 
carpentering for some time. Later, he purchased 
a wagon shop, and was engaged in the manufac- 
ture of wagons and carriages for nine years. 
Subsequently he carried on a brick->ard, and 
after^vard became a member of the mercantile 
firm of Larnard iV Hailys, which was succeeded 
i)y Laniard, Hailys & Bartlelt; but at length our 
subject retired from the firm. 

On the fith of September, 1848, Mr. Laniard 
was united in marriage with Miss II. Alida Brad- 
way, a daughter of Binoiia and Altha (\^aiuler- 
veer) Bradway, of Schoharie County, N. Y. 
P'our children were born to them, all daughters, 



but Emma and Ida are now deceased. Those yet 
living are Ernia and Edna. 

After withdrawing from the store, Mr. Laniard 
made a trip to Pike's Peak, visiting that place 
when it contained only one frame house. On 
his return he was engaged in the grocery busi- 
ness for two years, during which time he was ap- 
pointed Town Clerk, and for almo.st a quarter of 
a centurv he filled the office, a high testimonial 
to his ability and fidelity to diit\-. He and his 
wife hold membership with the Baptist Church, 
and for a number of years lie has .served as Church 
Treasurer, a position he yet holds. He aided in 
building the first church in Delavan, and has 
since lielpt.-d to build two other churches. In 
politics, he is a Republican. His life has been 
an honorable and upright one, and the many e.\- 
cellencies of his character have gained for him 
high regard. 



I'DW'ARI) !•. WILLIA.MS. 



■7' I)\\'.\K1) F. WILLI.X MS. one of the popular 
'e) and enterprising young citizens of Delavan, 
^ who is nnw serving as cashier in the Citi- 
zens' Bank, was here born on the ytli of April, 
1859. On the paternal side lie is of Welsh de- 
scent. His grandfather was a iiati\e of Wales, 
and in his business life was a silk iiRicliant. Re- 
moving to Ireland, his death occurred in the city 
of Dublin. Henry H. Williams, who was one of 
his four children, is the father of our subject. He 
was born on the Emerald Isle, and, lia\ing emi- 
grated to America, he came to Dela\an in 1849, 
and established a jewelry store, in which he still 
owns an interest. He married Anna A. Keeler, 
a native of New York, and a daughter of Peter 
M. Keeler, a native of the Empire vState, who 
came to Walworth County in 1840, and here en- 
gaged in farming. His death occurred in Dela- 
van, at the advanced age of .seventy five years. 
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Will- 



iams, all sons: Howard, our subject, and one who 
died in infancy. 

Edward F. spent the days of his boyhood and 
youth in liis parents' home, and the public schools 
afforded hi 111 his educational prixileges. He en- 
tered upon his busine.ss career as a clerk in the 
clothing store of M. Gavett, with whom he re- 
mained for five years. On the expiralit)n of that 
period, in 188 1, he accepted a position as assistant 
cashier of the Citizens' Bank, and thus .served un- 
til 1885, when he was made cashier. 

Mr. Williams was married on the 22d of Sep- 
tember, 1891, the lad>' of his choice being Mi.ss 
Carrie Phccnix, a granddaughter of the founder 
of Delavan, and a daughter of K. K. and Mary E. 
(Top])ing I Plueiiix. Their union has been bles.sed 
with one son, to whom was given the name 
Phcenix. 

Mr. Williams is a member of the Episcopal 
Church, aud in politics is a supporter of the Re- 




Gkokc.k Iv Catkin. M D 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 



i6i 



publican party and its principles. He has been 
elected to some local offices, having served as 
Village Clerk for three years, and at this writing 
he is a member of the Village Board of Trustees. 
He has a good home property in Delavan, and is 



holding a responsible position, the duties of which 
he discharges in a very capable manner. He is a 
pleasant, genial gentleman, who has many friends 
throughout the comnuuiity, and by all he is held 
in high regard. 



GEORGE E. CATLIN, M. D. 



gEORGE E. CATLIN, M. D., who is engaged 
in the practice of medicine in Lake Geneva, 
claims Peinisylvania as the vState of liis iia- 
tivitj^ for he was born in the town of Charleston, 
Tioga Count)-, on the 19th of March, 1840. His 
■grandfather, Jesse Catlin, was a .soldier in the 
War of 18 1 2, and was a farmer by occupation. 
He died at the home of his .son Joel in 1845, at 
the age of ninety years, after having reared a fam- 
ily of four sons and one daughter. He was of 
French lineage. His grandfather. Gen. John 
Catlin, came to this country in charge of French 
troops during the French and English War. Af- 
ter the war he .settled in Boston, and there reared 
three sons, one of whom settled in Boston, one in 
Vermont, and the third, the father of Jes.se Cat- 
lin, settled in Connecticut. 

The Doctor's father, Joel Catlin, was a native 
of Connecticut, but became one of the early set- 
tlers of Tioga County, Pa., and there, in the 
midst of the forest, cleared and improved two 
large farms. He was twice married, his .second 
wife being Miss Almira Hill, a daughter of Will- 
iam Hill, who was of Engli.sh descent. He was 
a wheelwright by trade, was one of the first 
merchants of Tioga County, and served as a 
Major in the old-time militia of Pennsylvania. 
His death occurred at the age of seventy years, 
but his wife lived to be eighty-three years of age. 
To Mr. Catlin's first marriage were born two 
sons and two daughters, of whom two are yet 
living: Samuel W. , who now makes his home in 
Charleston, Pa.; and Rosella, wife of Lyman J. 
Kingsbury, of Hamilton, Mo. By his second 



wife he had seven children, the following yet liv- 
nig: George E., of this sketch; Samantha, wife 
of Fred Helm, of Los Angeles, Cal.; Pollie, 
wife of George W. Johnson, a resident of Coving- 
ton, Pa.; and Helena, wife of Edward Ingerick, 
of Wellsboro, Pa. The father of this family died 
on the old homestead, at the age of eighty-three 
years. He was an active member of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church, and his wife takes a lead- 
ing part in the work of the Baptist Church, to 
which she belongs. She still survives her hus- 
band, and makes her home in Covington, Pa. 

The Doctor was reared in his native town of 
Charleston, and began his education in the dis- 
trict schools of the neighborhood; later he attend- 
ed Wellsboro Academj^, and subsequently Mans- 
field Seminary, a large institution, where he pur- 
sued a normal cour.se of study. On the 19th of 
April, 1S61, he responded to the country's call for 
troops, enlisting in Capt. Sherwood's company 
for three months' service. On the expiration of 
that period he re-enlisted for three years' service, 
and was assigned to Company B, One Hundred 
and First Pennsylvania Infantry. He took part 
in the Peninsular campaign under Gen. McClellan, 
and was in the battle of Williamsburg, the .siege 
of Yorktown, and Fair Oaks. At the latter he was 
taken sick with typhoid fever and was sent to the 
hospital, and on account of physical disability was 
discharged, September 23, 1862. He then re- 
turned home, and during the succeeding winter 
engaged in teaching school. Afterward he and a 
friend raised a company, but the Doctor was 
again taken sick. Subsequently he was drafted, 



I 62 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



but did not go in as a drafted man, enlisting in- 
stead, August 19, 1863, in the Fifth United States 
Artiller>-, under conimaiui of James Piper, and 
afterwards conunanded by Capt. J. R. Urinckley. 
This battery' has quite a history. While in thi: 
Peninsular campaijjn the battery was entirely 
destroyed, men and horses, with the exception of 
Commander Piper, and he was shot through the 
hips. The Doctor was in man\- hotly-conte.sted 
battles. He served as a gunner through Grant's 
campaign, and in this capacity he was in the 
engagements of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, 
Cold Harbor, Petersburg and Saylor's Creek. 
He declares Saylor's Creek to have been the 
hottest place he was ever in. This corresponds 
with Sheridan's account that Saylor's Creek 
was one of the most hotly-contested battles of 
the war, and yet but little is ever said of it. A 
shell bursting near the Doctor led him to think 
he was certainly badly hurt, if not killed. The 
same shell nearly unhorsed Sheridan. It was the 
Doctor's privilege to see Gen. Lee when he came 
from the woods with his flag of truce to surrender 
to Grant at Appomattox, so tliat, as a soldier, he 
was in at the first and at the close of the rebellion. 
While in the infantry, he served as color-bearer, 
and filled that rank at the battle of Fair Oaks, 
where seven of the color-guards were shot. He 
also carried the colors at Williamsburg. 



At the close of the war, when the country no 
longer needed his .ser\ices. Dr. Catlin went to 
Chicago, and thence to Janesville, Wis., where he 
was employed in a register's office. In the autunni 
of 1866 he entered Milton (Wis.) College, and 
in the fall of 1867 became a .student in Heloit 
College. In 1869 he entered the Michigan Uni- 
versity, and in 1870 was graduated from the De- 
troit Medical College. In August of tliat year 
he came to WaUvortli County, and began practice 
ill Genoa Junction, where he continued until 
i<S72, since which time he has tieeii in Lake 
Geneva. 

On the 17th of April, 1871, Dr. Catlin was 
united in marriage with Mrs. Lucretia I). Hill, 
daughter of Benjamin \'an Campen. Her father 
was a native of New York, but his father was from 
Holland, and was mas.sacred by the Indians after 
his emigration to America. Tlie Doctor and his. 
wife are among the prominent people of Lake 
Geneva, and aremembers of the Kpisci>])al Cluircli. 
They have a fine home in tliis place and hospital- 
ity there reigns supreme. In his .social relations, 
the Doctor is a Roxal Arcli Mason, and inpt)litics 
is a Republican. He has always been a clo.se 
student of his profe.s.sion, keeping abreast with 
the times in every particular, and has won a large 
practice, which from the beginning has constantly 
increased. 



\)\<. JAMES ( OXSTA.Xr KIA'XOLDS. 



k JAM1-:S COX.STAXT RIvVNOLDS, a 
inedic.il practitioner of Lake Geneva, was 
liorii in Exeter, Green County, Wis., 
July 17, 1S49, and is a son of Dr. B. O. and 
Mary J. Reynolds, who.se sketch appears else- 
where in tills work. The greater part of his life 
has been spent with his parents, and he is now 
associated with his father in business. Deter- 
mining to enter the medical profes.sion, he began 
reading with his fatlier, and afterwards became a 
student in Rush Medical College of Chicago, from 



whicli institution he was graduated in 1870. Six 
years later he attended a course of lectures in 
Bellevue Medical College of New York. 

On his graduation from Rush Medical College, 
Dr. Reynolds went to Dakota, where he engaged 
in practice until 1875. In that year he returned 
to his native state, and, taking u]) his residence 
ill Lake Geneva, entered into partnership with 
his father. Both are men of experience and ex- 
cellent ability, and the success which is theirs is 
well deserved. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 



163 



In May, 1883, Dr. Reynolds led to the mar- 
riage altar Mrs. Carrie S. Blanchard, daughter of 
John A. and Rachel (Cardwell) Carson. One 
son graces their union, Benoni O. Mrs. Reynolds 
is a member of the Episcopal Church, and is a 
most estimable lady. The Doctor holds member- 
ship with Geneva Lodge No. 44, A. F. & A. M., 
and also belongs to the Benevolent Order of Elks, 
the Loyal Legion, and the State Medical Societ)-. 
In politics, he is a .stalwart Republican, and has 
been honored with a number of offices. He has 
several times sensed as a member of the Village 
Board of Lake Geneva, and in 1884 was elected 
a member of the General Assembly. On the ex- 
piration of his first term he was re-elected, re- 
ceiving one thousand five hundred and fort)- 
eight votes, against six hundred and seven given 
P. H. Moore, the Democratic candidate, and five 
hundred and sixty-nine for H. C. Ford, the Pro- 



hibition candidate. During the Thirty-eighth 
General Assembly he served as Chairman of 
the Committee on Railroads. In 1888, he was 
elected to the ,State Senate for a term of four 
years, receiving six thousand and seventy votes, 
against three thousand six hundred and eighty- 
six given James M. Kellogg, the Democratic 
candidate, and seven hundred and fifty -one votes 
cast for Joseph Collie, the Prohibitionist. Dur- 
ing his service as State Senator he was Chairman 
of the Committee on Town and County Organiza- 
tions, and a member of the joint Committee on 
Claims. The Doctor is a worthy representative 
of an honored family, and the position of promi- 
nence which he occupies in professional and pol- 
itical circles has been gained, not by influence or 
outside aid, but as the result of his own merits 
and abilitj-. 



WILLIAM H. BULLOCK. 



f36|lLLIAM H. BULLOCK, a leading photog- 
lAl ''^P'^^i'' ^^^'^ '^he proprietor of a well-ap- 
VY pointed art gallery in Lake Geneva, is a 
native of Philadelphia, Pa. He was born on the 
17th of February. 1S64, and is a son of John and 
Lavina (Parker) Bullock, who are natives of 
Stafibrdshire, England. The grandparents also 
lived in that countr)-, and never came to America. 
The father of our subject bade adieu to home and 
friends in 1851, crossing the Atlantic to the New 
World. He located in Philadelphia, where he 
spent nine )-ears, and then removed to Middle- 
town, N. Y., where he remained for one year. 
On the expiration of that period he became a 
resident of Chicago, and establi.shed a .studio in 
Crosb3-'s Opera House Building, but after four 
months the gallery was destroyed by fire. He is 
a landscape and portrait arti.st, and pos.sesses 
much ability along the line of his chosen profes- 
sion. In 1S72 he came to Lake Geneva, where 



he has since been engaged in his work as an 
artist. In the Bullock family were two sons and 
four daughters, and five of the number are j'et 
living, as follows: Anna, wife of Ed McGraw, a 
re.sident of Chicago; Rosa, wife of Homer Schwarz, 
of Wilmot, Wis.; Lucy, wife of Benjamin 
Miller, of Walworth County; and William H. 
and Arthur, of Lake Geneva. 

Since a child of seven years, Mr. Bullock of 
this sketch has made his home in Lake Geneva. 
Here he was reared and educated, and when a 
youth of thirteen he began learning photography. 
In the practice of this art he has since spent his 
life, and has steadily worked his way upward to 
a prominent position among the leading artists 
of the state. 

On the 24th of September, 1888, Mr. Bullock 
was united in marriage with Miss Belle Battis- 
fore, a daughter of Emaiuiel and Leveda Battis- 
fore. In June, 1891, he embarked in business 



164 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



for himself in Lake Geneva, and on the ist 
of September, 1893, had the misfortune to have 
his galk-p,- destroyed by fire. He then erected 
the one which he now occupies, supplied it with 
everj- facility for doing first-class work, and is 
now enjoying a large business. From the be- 
ginning his trade has constantly increased, and 
the liberal patronage which he now receives is 



well deser\'ed. He is a nienilier of the Modeni 
Woodmen of America, but takes no very pronj- 
inent part in public affairs, preferring to give his 
entire time and attention to the interests of his 
art. He possesses many excellencies of charac- 
ter, and his well-spent life has made him a highly 
re.spected citizen of the community. 



FRANCIS A. BUCKBHK. 



r~K.\NCIS A. BUCKHEK, Justice of the 
1^ Peace, and a leading and influential citizen 
I * of Lake Geneva, claims New York as the 
State of his nativity. He was lx)rn in the town 
of Chili, Monroe County, June 8, 1828, and 
comes of a faniil)- which was founded in America 
by John Buckbee, who had six sous, four of 
whom, Klijah, John, Russell and Samuel, settled 
in Westche.ster and Dutchess Counties of New 
York. Of the other two, one went to \'ermont, 
and one to Connecticut. lilijah Buckee, just 
mentioned, was the father of Russell Buckbee, 
the grandfallier of our subject. This information 
concerning the family was obtained from an uncle, 
Samuel Buckbee, who lived to be ninety-seven 
years of age. He said he could remember seeing 
his grandfather Klijah visiting his son Rus.sell, 
making the journey over the Catskill Mountains 
on horseback when eighty-five years of age. The 
distance was about forty miles. 

Russell Buckbee was born in Dutchess County, 
N. Y., served in the Colonial army during the 
Revolution, and at one time was lield as a ])ris- 
oner on a ves.sel in Xew York Harbor. He 
made farming his life work, and died at the age 
of sixty-five years. J e.sse Buckbee, father of our 
subject, was born in Orange County, N. Y., and 
was one of a family of four sons and four daugh- 
ters. In the winter of 1845-46, he emigrated to 
Wisconsin, and in Februarj- of the latter year he 
removed to Rockford, 111. While on a business 
trip to New York, he died in the fall of 1846, at 



the age of sixty-one years. He was always a 
prominent man in the conununity in which he 
lived, and was honored with a number of offices 
of public trust. His wife, who bore the maiden 
name of Mary Secor, was born in Orange County, 
X. Y., and was about eighty-five years of age at 
the time of her death. Both were members of 
the Methodist Epi.scopal Church, and took an ac- 
tive part in church and benevolent work. Mrs. 
Buckljce was a daughter of John Secor, a French- 
man, who was the owner of an iron foundry in 
Orange County, and was al.so a slave-holder and 
the owner of a general store and mill. His death 
occurred at the age of eighty. 

Francis A. Buckbee is one of a family of seven 
children. His sister, Eleanor W., is the wife of 
John W. Ames, of Dane County, Wis.; Charles 
W., twin brother of our subject, and Theodore E. 
are both living in Rockford, 111. The others are 
now deceased. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
was about seventeen years of age when his par- 
ents came to the West. His father died the fol- 
lowing year, and the care of the family devolved 
upon him. For a time he engaged in the prod- 
uce business, and afterwards eml)arked in mer- 
chandising, which he carried on in Rockford for 
about five years. On the i8th of February, 1863, 
he married Miss A. J. Palmer, daughter of Salmon 
and Abbie Jane (Sears) Hubbard, and adopted 
daughter of Dr. Alexander and Jane Palmer, na- 
tives of New York. Mrs. Buckbee graduated from 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



165 



Rockford Ladies' Seminary in the Class of '54, it 
being the first of the institution. A remarkable 
fact is that all six of the members of the class are 
now living. 

In the year of his marriage Mr. Buckbee came 
to Walworth County, and located on a farm of two 
hundred and forty acres in Lyons Township, where 
he successfuU)- carried on agricultural pursuits 
until 1874, when, accompanied by his wife, he 
made a visit to California. Since his return he 
has lived in Lake Geneva, and during the twenty 
3'ears which have come and gone he has contin- 
uously held the office of Justice of the Peace. 
His long .service well indicates his fidelity to duty 
and the confidence and trust reposed in him. He 
was also Police Magistrate for six years. 

Mr. Buckbee is a prominent Mason, and for ten 
years has been Master of Geneva Lodge No. 44, 



A. F. & A. M. He was elected High Priest of 
the Chapter, and, with the exception of the year 
spent in California, held that position for fourteen 
consecutive years. He belongs to the Epi.scopal 
Church, and his wife holds membership with the 
Congregational Church. In his political views, 
he is a stalwart Republican, unswerving in his 
allegiance to the principles of the party. Four 
years after coming to Wisconsin he was elected to 
the State Legislature, and again in 1874 was 
chosen to that position. He is one of the promi- 
nent men of the state, widely and favorably 
known in political and social circles. He is a 
public-,spirited and progressive citizen, who ever 
labors for the best interests of the people, and 
wherever he goes he wins the confidence and re- 
gard of those with whom he is brought in contact. 



CLARENCE D. GILBERT. 



ELARENCE D. GILBERT, an enterprising 
grocery merchant of Lake Geneva, has the 
honor of being a native of Walworth County. 
He was born in the town of Walworth, Septem- 
ber 21, 1852, and is the eldest of three children 
whose parents were Charles H. and Eliza (Day) 
Gilbert. The other two, Carrie and Harry, how- 
ever, are now deceased. The father and mother 
were both natives of the Empire State, and the 
former followed agricultural pursuits throughout 
his life. About 1850 he emigrated westward, 
locating in Walworth County, Wis., where he 
purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. 
This he cultivated and improved until after the 
breaking out of the late war, when he responded 
to the country's call for troops, and enlisted in the 
Union service as First Lieutenant of his company. 
Prior to this he was Captain of a company of 
militia at Walworth Corners for about two years. 
In 1864 he was taken sick, and died at the age of 
thirty-eight, while on his way home. His wife 



survived him for about two years. The paternal 
grandfather, Andrew Gilbert, followed milling in 
the East until 1850, when he too came to the 
Badger State, where, in connection with his son 
Charles H., he engaged in farming. He served 
as a soldier in the War of 1812, and was ever a 
loj'al and faithful citizen. His death occurred in 
Delavan, Wis. , where he spent the last three years 
of his life. He had reared a large family, and 
reached the allotted age of three-score years and 
ten. The maternal grandfather was a native of 
New Hampshire, but lived for many years in the 
East. 

In taking up the personal history of our sub- 
ject we present to our readers the life record of 
one who is widel}- and favorably known in Wal- 
worth County, for here he has spent the greater 
part of his life. In the usual manner of farmer 
lads his early boyhood days were pas.sed, but at 
the age of twelve he left the farm and .spent two 
years in Delavan. He then removed to Lake 



1 66 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Geneva, where he completed his education, after 
which he embarked in the milling business, car- 
rj'ing on business along that line luitil twenty- 
two years of age. when he went to Red Wing, 
Minn. There he engaged in the same business 
for a period of five and a-half years, and on his 
return to Lake Geneva he embarked in the gro- 
cerj- business, which he has followed continuoush- 
.since 1881. 

On the 22d of October, 1874. .Mr. Gilbert was 



united in marriage with Miss Grace Hammersley, 
daughter of William H. and Elizabeth (Smith) 
Hanmicrsley. They have one daughter, Liz- 
zie. Their home is a pleasant residence and is 
noted for its hospitality. Mr. Gilljert is a Re- 
publican in politics, and his wife is a member of 
the Congregational Clnircli. In this comnuuiity 
they have many friends, and their many excel- 
lencies of character have gained them the high 
respect of all. 



II. P). r\'KRl{LL. 



Nl'.. TVKRI'XL, one of the enterprising 
husine.ss men of Lake Geneva, is now en- 
' gaged in merchandising as a member of the 
firm of Colby & Co. His connection therewith 
has continued for three years, and success has 
attended his efforts during that period. Mr. 
Tyrrell is a highly respected citizen of this com- 
munity, and with jileasure we present the record 
of his life to our readers. He was bom in Mc- 
Hcnry County, 111., August 5, 1853, ^"d is a son 
of James Tyrrell, a native of New York. The 
father was a farmer by occupation, and followed 
that pursuit in the Empire State until 1844, when 
he emigrated westward, and took up his residence 
in McHenrj' County, near Solon. Purchasing 
land, he there developed and improved a farm, 
continuing its cultivation until his death, which 
occurred on the 1 1 th of January, 1892, at the 
ripe old age of seventy-two years. He married 
Sarah La Dow, who was born in New York, and 
was a daughter of Peter La Dow, who was engaged 
in hotel-keeping in Syracuse, N. Y., and there 
served as Justice of the Peace for several years. 
He died when between eight>- and ninety years 
old. 

Mr. and Mrs. Tyrrell became the parents of 
eight children, four sons and four daughters, 
namely: Marquis D., a resident of Eaton, Ohio; 
Lizzie, wife of A. T. Montgomerj-, of Woodstock, 



111.; Georgia, wife of H. H. Brady, of Chicago; 
H. B.; Murray, who makes his home in Slayton, 
Minn. ; Ella, twin .sister of Murray, and wife of 
Charles Willey, of McHenn,- County, 111.; Adel. 
wife of H. O. Thompson, who is located in Chi- 
cago; and Arthur, who died in early manhood. 
The gentleman whose name heads this record 
was reared on his father's farm, in the county of 
his nativity, and spent the days of his boyhood 
and youth in the usual manner of fanner lads. 
His early education, acquired in the common 
schools, was supplemented by study in Da\ton, 
Ohio, whither he went at the age of eighteen 
years. He afterwards engaged in teaching .school 
betweed Dayton and Eaton, spending two years 
in that way, and then returned to Crystal Lake, 
111., where he entered a store, serving as sales- 
man for a number of years. On the expiration 
of that period he went to McHenr\', 111., where 
for five years he engaged in clerking, being with 
the firm of Colby Brothers during the last two 
years. On the expiration of that period he re- 
turned to Cry.stal Lake to become manager of a 
store owned by Colby Brothers, and had charge 
of the .same for .six years. His residence in Lake 
Geneva dates from 1888, and in 1S90 he became 
a member of the firm of O. C. Colby & Co. at 
that place. They are now engaged in dealing in 
dr>- goods, boots and shoes, and clothing, and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



167 



have a good trade, for they carry a fine stock, 
are honorable and straightforward in all dealings, 
and ever treat their patrons with careful atten- 
tion and consideration. 

On the 7th of October, i88i, occurred an im- 
portant event in the life of Mr. Tyrrell — his mar- 
riage with Mi.'^s Jennie E. Beers, daughter of Dr. 



wedding ceremony was performed in McHenry, 
and their union has been blessed with two chil- 
dren, Esther A. and Ethel M. Mr. Tyrrell is a 
member of the Masonic fraternity, and has taken 
the Knight Templar degree. In politics, he is a 
Democrat. Besides his business he now has a 
good home property in Lake Geneva, and is 



E. A. and Esther M. (SalisburA-) Beers. The comfortabl3r situated. 



MRS. SARAH A. PHCENIX. 



yyiRS. SARAH A. PHCENIX is one of the 
Y oldest residents of Walworth County, and 
is hers was the second family to locate in 
Delavan. This work would be incomplete with- 
out the record of her life, for few, if any, are more 
familiar with the historj' of the community than 
she. Born in Chenango County, N. Y., on the 
3d of September, 1799, she is a daughter of Sam- 
uel and Elizabeth (Carver) Kelsej-. Her father's 
people were from Alfred, Mass., and were of Eng- 
lish and Welsh descent. Her mother's people 
came from Connecticut. The days of her girl- 
hood were spent in her parents' home in the Em- 
pire State, and on the 24th of October, 1822, she 
became the wife of Samuel Phoenix. 

This gentleman was born in New York, De- 
cember 23, 1798, and was a son of William and 
Martha (Martin) Phcenix, natives of New Jersey, 
and of English descent. Samuel Phcenix was a 
tanner in early life, but learned various trades. 
In 1836, in compan)' with his brother Henry, he 
came to the West, locating in what is now Wal- 
worth County. Wisconsin was then a territory, 
and the name was yet spelled Oui.sconsin. The 
brothers erected a mill and operated the same un- 
til death. Samuel Phceni.x also engaged in other 
lines of business, and was one of the most promi- 
nent and influential citizens of the county. He 
named all of the townships in the county, and also 
gave the county the name of Walworth in honor 
of a temperance worker. The name of Delavan 



was bestowed upon this town by him, and he was 
a prominent worker for its advancement and up- 
building. His step-father, Montgomer}^ Bartlett, 
had served as a soldier in the War of the Revolu- 
tion, and was a citizen of Boston. Judge Carver, 
the great-grandfather of Mrs. Phoenix, was a 
member of the Connecticut Legislature, and 
reached the age of almost one hundred years. 
He had a .son who was a professional singer, and 
traveled throughout the vSouth. 

To Sanuiel Phcenix and his wife was born one 
child, Franklin K., who at one time was owner 
of a large nursery in Bloomington, 111., the sec- 
ond in size in the United States. Through vari- 
ous causes he lost that nursery, but for the past 
thirteen years has engaged in the same line of 
business in Delavan. He wedded Miss Mary- 
Topping, of Darien, Wis., a daughter of Thomas 
and Sarah (Briggs) Topping, and they became 
the parents of ten children, six of whom are yet 
living: Samuel; Fred Stanley; Frank; John J.; 
May, wife of John Cameron, a banker of Chicago; 
and Carrie, wife of E. F. Williams, cashier of the 
Citizens' Bank of Delavan. 

Samuel Phoenix and his brother carried on bus- 
ine.ss together until death severed their partner- 
ship. On coming to Wisconsin they entered four 
thousand acres of land from the Govennnent. 
Mr. Phoenix was a very active business man, 
never knowing an idle moment, and it is proba- 
ble that his unceasing work shortened his life. 



1 68 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



He passed away in 1840, at the age of forty-one. 
He and his wife were two of a company who or- 
ganized the Baptist Church at Delavan in 1S39. 
Mr. Phcciiix served as an e.xhorter and his brother 
as a Deacon. Mrs. Phoenix is the only one of 
the charter members who is yet living. She has 
witnessed the entire growth and development <>( 
this county, and is one of those honored pioneer 
women who deserve to be mentioned in history for 
the ])rominciit part which they have taken in the 



upbuilding of the community. Though their work 
was of a more quiet kind, the women did no less 
than their husbands, and should share with them 
tlie honors of being the founders of the county. 



Since the above was written Mrs. Plia;ni.\ has 
pa.s-sed away, dying Ma>- 9. 1894, after having 
nearly reached the ripe old age of ninety-five 
vcars. 



)U1I\ 1:. I').\I<K. 



(TOHN K. BARR, manager of the clothing de- 
I partment of O. C. Colby's store, at Lake 
0/ Ocneva, is a native of Illinois, his birth 
having occurred in Belvidere. on the 5th of March, 
1859. His grandfather was a native of Scotland, 
but having crossed the Atlantic to the New World, 
he located in Wisconsin at an early day, and died 
in Linn Township, Walworth County. For 
.seven years he ser\-ed in the British army, while 
still in his native land. His son, John Barr, be- 
came the father of our subject. He too was 
born in Scotland, and when a young man became 
a carpenter and contractor. The year 1.S43 wit- 
nessed his arrival in Walworth County. He 
purchased a fann of forty acres in Linn Town- 
ship, but soon afterwards .sold out and removed 
to Belvidere, 111., where he worked at his trade 
for some years. He then went to the West, and 
was engaged in building bridges for the Union 
Pacific Railroad. His death occurred in Brainard, 
Minn., in 1872. His wife is a member of the 
Episcopal Church. She is still living, and makes 
her home with her children. In the days of her 
maidenhood she bore the name of Aim Haywood. 
Her father, John Haywood, was born in England 
(al.so her native land) , and became one of the pio- 
neer settlers of Walworth County, where he fol- 
lowed farming until his death. He was a good 



man, respected by all who knew him, and his e.x- 
ain])le was well worthy of emulation. 

John and Ann Barr became the parents of eight 
children, two sons and si.x daughters, five of 
whom are yet living: Jennie, wife of P. H. 
Moore, of Lake Geneva ; Emma, wife of Charles 
Hanson, of Clinton Junction, Wis.; George W., 
of Lake Geneva; Anna, wife of W. C. Logan, of 
Waukegan, 111.; and John E., whose name heads 
this record. 

Our .subject spent the first four years of his life 
in Belvidere, and then came with his parents to 
Lake Geneva. His early education, acquired in 
the .schools of this place, was supplemented by 
study in the public .schools of Chicago. When a 
youth of fifteen he began earning his own liveli- 
hood, and has .since depended entirely on his own 
resources, so that whatever success he has 
achieved in life is due to his own efforts. For 
five years he was employed as a clerk in the store 
ofO. C. Colby & Co., and in Januar>-, 1890, be- 
came a member of the firm. He now has charge 
of the clothing department, and his pleasant, 
genial manner, and courteous treatment of his 
patrons have won a liberal patronage, and a con- 
stantly increasing trade. 

On the 2d of March, 1884, was celebrated the 
marriage of Mr. Barr and Miss Matilda Wright, 



^ 



J^- 



■ / 



ir 



AirriifK Kwi-; 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



171 



a daughter of Samuel and Matilda fHaskell) 
Wright. Two children grace their union, Allen 
Robert and Maurice Bentley. The parents are 
both members of the Episcopal Church. They 
have a pleasant home, which is the abode of 
hospitality, and throughout the community have 
many friends. Socially, Mr. Barr is connected 



with the Masonic fraternity, having taken the 
Knight Templar Degree. He belongs to the 
Blue lyodge and Chapter in Lake Geneva, and to 
Beloit Commandery No. 6, K. T. He exercises 
his right of franchise in support of the Re- 
publican party. 



ARTHUR KAYE. 



^1 RTHUR KAYE was for many years one of 
I I Walworth County's mo.st prominent and 
I I progressive citizens, and the work which he 
did for the upbuilding and development of the 
county numbers him among its benefactors. All 
who knew him respected him, and this work 
would be incomplete without a record of his life. 
He was born in Yorkshire, England, on the 24tli 
of March, 183 1, and was the eldest in a family of 
ten children born unto Abraham and Harriet 
( Brayshaw ) Kaye. Nine of the number are yet 
living, namely: Addin, who makes his home in 
Lake Geneva; Hannnon, of Kansas; Mary, wife 
of Robert Lightbody, a resident of Jacksonville, 
Fla. ; John B., who makes his home in Iowa; 
Sarah, wife of Frank E. Baker, of St. Paul, Minn.; 
Harriet, wife of William Matthews, of Kan.sas; 
Abrara, who is located in Eureka, Nev. ; William, 
a re.sident of Lake Geneva; and Julia, wife of 
James S. Reek, of Linn Township. 

The father of this family was born in England 
in 1809, and in 1840 crossed the Atlantic to Amer- 
ica, but soon after returned home. In 1842 he 
brought his family to the New World, locating in 
Baltimore, where he remained for three years, 
when he took up his residence near Philadelphia. 
There three years were pas.sed, during which 
time he was employed as a grader of wool, in con- 
nection with woolen-mills of that cit>'. His health 
failing him, he removed to the West and pur- 
cha.sed a farm of two hundred and forty acres in 
Linn Township, where his remaining da}'s were 
8 



passed. His death occurred April 21, 1875. His 
wife, Harriet ( Bray.shaw) Kaye, was a daughter 
of John and Mary (Stock) Brayshaw. She was 
born April 14, 181 1, and is now living with her 
daughter, Mrs. Reek, at the age of eighty-three 
years. 

Arthur Kaye whose name heads this record 
started out in life for himself in 1852, when twen- 
ty-one years of age. Leaving the parental roof, 
he made his way to California, where he remained 
for two years, engaged in gold-mining and pros- 
pecting. In 1854 he returned home and married 
Miss Aimk M. Cullen, daughter of Patrick and 
Margaret (Stanton) Cullen, of Lj'un Township, 
who were the parents of five children. To Mr. 
and Mrs. Kaye were born eight children: Harriet 
A.; Marj-, wife of C. W. Fisher, of Chicago; 
Margaret F.; Helen M.; Cora A.; Addin Philip; 
Arthur W. ; and Anna Blanche. 

Upon his marriage, Mr. Kaye purchased a farm 
on sections 19 and 21, Linn Township, and turned 
his attention to agricultural pursuits and merchan- 
dising. He opened a general .store, and for seven- 
teen years did a thriving business along that line, 
enjoying a constantl}' increasing trade and the 
liberal income derived therefrom. In 187 1 he 
purchased the property made famous bj- him, now 
known as Kaye's Park. It is an estate of some 
two hundred and seventy acres, beautifully located 
upon Geneva Lake, and during the twenty-two 
years after its purchase Mr. Kaye developed it 
into one of the finest summer resorts anywhere 



172 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RJiCORD. 



found, it being one of the chief attractions on the 
far-fanie<l Lake Geneva. The extensive grounds 
were laid out with excellent taste, and the large 
and conini(j(lii)Us huildings were supplietl witli 
the l>est facilities for the comfort and pleasure of 
its guests, two hundred of whom can lie accom- 
modated at the park at one time. The beautiful 
steamer, "Arthur Kaye," is use<l for the pleasure 
and convenience of vi.sitors, and with boating, 
bathing and fishing, Kaye's Park is an ideal 
sunnner home — a monument to the energy, fore- 
sight and ability of a remarkable man. The 
Kaye farm furnishes fruit and vegetables, and 
these, with the |)rf)ducts of the dairy, always suj)- 
ply the table with delicacies. 

For many years Mr. Kaye was the promoter of 



the interests of Geneva Lake. From time lo linn- 
he bought land along its shores and found pur- 
chasers for the .same among .some of the wealthiest 
men of the country, who have built magnificent 
palatial homes in the lovely groves that line the 
shores of one of the finest lakes of North America. 
Mr. Kaye was a man of .sound judgment, broad 
views and wide .sympathies, and was highly re- 
garded as one of the representative citizens of 
Walworth County. He was for many years a 
member of the Ma.sonic fraternity. His death, 
which occurred July 2.^, 1893, was deeply mourned 
by a very large circle of friends. iKjth at home and 
abroad. He liuilt for himself an enduring monu- 
ment in Kaye's Park, and in the other work of 
improvement which he did for Walworth County. 



JOHN w. mi-:rrill. 



3()HN W". MI-:RRII.1., a real estate dealer and 
enterprising business man of Delavan, claims 
Ho.ston, Ma.ss., as the city of his birth. His 
Itarcnts, John W. and Haiuiah (Gahait) Merrill, 
were both natives of .Maine. The paternal grand- 
father, We.sley Merrill, was also torn in the Pine 
Tree State, and was of Knglish descent, tracing 
his ancestry back to one of three brothers who 
came to America in the "Mayflower," and with 
the Pilgrim Fathers landed at Plymouth Rock. 
He ser\-ed as a soldier in the War of 1.S12, fol- 
lowed farming throughout his entire life, and 
reared a family of .seven children. His death oc- 
curred in Maine, at the ripe old age of eighty-two. 
The maternal grandfather of our subject, John 
Gahan, was a native of Ireland, and in that 
country followed merchandising. In 1845 he 
came to America, locating in Lewiston, Me., 
where his death occurred at the age of .seventy 
years. 

The father of our .subject was a trader. Dur- 
ing the late war he was appointcfl Second Lieu- 
tenant of the New York Infantry, but did not 



serve. He took an active part in politics, but 
never .sought office. With the Methodist Church 
he held membership, but his wife is a memlier of 
the Catholic Church. He died in Minneapolis in 
1.S68, at the age of forty-seven years. His wife is 
still living in that city. They were the parents of 
seven sons, five of whom survive: Franklin A., 
of Great Falls, Mont.: John W., of this sketch: 
George W. and William H., who are also living 
in Great Falls: and Andrew T., who makes his 
home in Minneapolis, Minn. 

Mr. Merrill of this sketch was Ixirn in Boston, 
June 5, i8s.S, and when a child of two years was 
taken by his parents to New York City, where he 
lived until ele\eii years of age. There he began 
his education, .\bout 1866 he went with the 
family to Minneapolis, Miiui., where he made his 
home until 1878, when he became a resident of 
Ft. Benton, Mont., spending eighteen months in 
the West. On the expiration of that period he 
went to Helena, Mont., where a year was passed, 
and in Butte he made his home for a time. At 
length he returned to Minneapolis, where he en- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



173 



gaged in contracting and building, for he had 
learned that trade at the age of fourteen years, 
and followed it during the greater part of the time 
up to 1885. In that year he embarked in the 
real-estate business. 

On the 24th of November, 1891, Mr. Merrill 
was united in marriage with Miss Ali.ssia Bige- 
low, daughter of Daniel Bigelow, of Walworth 
County. The lady is a member of the Methodist 
Church, and throughout this community she has 
many warm friends, who esteem her highly for 
her sterling worth. 



Mr. Merrill continued to make his home in 
Minneapolis until vSeptember, 1893, when he came 
to Delavan. Here he owns a good home and 
other property, and is now doing a good real- 
e.state business. In politics, he was formerly a 
Democrat, but now votes independent of party 
affiliations. Although his residence in Delavan 
covers only a short period, he has already won 
many warm friends, and has the high regard of 
those with whom business and social relations 
ha\e brought him in contact. 



DR. JAMES B. HEMINWAY. 



0R. JAMES B. HEMINWAY, who for thirty- 
eight years has engaged in the practice of 
medicine in Delavan, was born in vShrews- 
bur\-, Vt., on the 7th of March, 1820, and is one 
of three children, whcse parents were vSewell and 
Polly (Bullardj Herain\va\-. His brother is now 
decea.sed, and his sister, Mrs. Mary Ann Sanders, 
makes her home in Dowagiac, Mich. The father 
was born in Barry, Ma.ss., followed farming 
throughout life, and died in Shrewsbury, Vt., 
when the Doctor was a lad of four summers. The 
mother was born in Shrewsbury, and survi\-ed 
her husband about thirty- j^ears, passing away in 
1854. She held membership with the Baptist 
Church. Her father, John Bullard, was born in 
the old Bay State, but in early life removed to 
Vermont, where for many j'ears he carried on 
farming. He .served in the War of 18 12, and 
died at the age of .sixty-six. It is believed that 
he was descended from the Puritan Fathers who 
landed on Plymouth Rock in 1620. 

Amid the Green Mountains of his native state. 
Dr. Heminway was reared. He .studied nature 
amid the beautiful scenery of that region, and be- 
came familiar with science in the .schoolroom in 
Shrewsbur\-, and in the academy of Fair Haven, 
Vt. Having attained to mature years, he cho.se as 



a companion and helpmate on life's journey Mi.ss 
Mary Harrington, their wedding being celebrated 
on the 26tli of January, 1843. The lady is a 
daughter of Joshua and Lydia (Blanchard) Har- 
rington, of Vermont. Her father was a farmer, 
yet took quite an active part in public affairs. 
His family numbered eleven children, but only 
four grew to mature years. One .son, C. B. Har- 
rington, for some years practiced law in Rutland, 
Vt., and in 1857 removed to Burlington, Iowa, 
where he served as Circuit Judge for many years, 
or until he lost his eye-sight. His wife still makes 
her home in that place. 

Two children were born to the Doctor and his 
wife, but Mary Maria died at the age of two years 
and four months. Lillie H. is now the wife of 
Sanuiel Parish, of Chicago, by whom she has one 
child, Lucile M. 

Wishing to take up the practice of medicine. 
Dr. Heminway began the .study of the .science in 
1852, and afterwards entered Castleton Medical 
College, of Castleton, \'t., from which in.stitution 
he was graduated in the spring of 1856. Later 
in that year he emigrated westward, having re- 
solved to try his fortune on the broad prairies of 
the Mississippi Valley. Taking up his residence 
in Delavan, he has here since made his home, de- 



>74 



PORTRAIT A^L> lii'OGRAPHIC^U, RECORD. 



voting his entire time and alteiilion to practice. 
His skill and ability liave been recognized l>y a 
liberal patronage, and he has therefore secured a 
go<xl income, which is certainly well deserved. 

The Doctor and his wife are both members of 
the Baptist Church, and have lieen important fac- 
tors in its frrnwth and upbuilding. In his iwliti- 
cal views, the Doctor has long been a Republican, 
and on that ticket was elected to the X'illage 



Board, where he ser\ed for fourteen years, acting 
as its President for seven years. He was also 
School Director for about eight years. His long 
continuance in office indicates his fidelity to duty 
and the trust and confidence repo.sed in him by 
his fellow-townsmen. Socially, he is connected 
with the Ma.sonic fraternity. He now has a good 
home and other property in Delavan, besides con- 
siderable real-e.state in Chicago. 



wiLiK K c. \\i:i:ks. 



[ILBUR G. WEEKS, editor and publisher 
of the Delavan Kipiih/iani. is one of the 
native sons of Walworth County, his birth 
having occurred in Spring Prairie Town.ship, 
March 23, 1859. He comes from one of the old 
families of New England, and traces his ancestry 
back to George Weekes, one of the early settlers 
of Dorchester, in the Massachusetts Bay Colon> . 
who was said b_\ the early chroniclers to have 
been of "an ancient and honorable Devonshire 
famih ," whose countr\ seat in Ivngland was near 
Exeter. The .spelling of the name was changed 
to the present form in the seventeenth century. 

The great-grandfather of our subject was a 
Revolutionary .soldier, and .served as one of the 
guard of Maj. Andre after the capture of the 
British spy. The records sa\ that he was a 
" succe.ssful farmer, and led a worthy life." The 
grandfather of our subject, .Spencer Weeks, was 
born in Norwich, Mass., in 1797, and was a 
farmer by occupation. Ivmigrating westward to 
Walworth Connt\ , Wis., his last days were spent 
in Lyons Township, where he died at the age of 
si.\ty-two. He reared a large family of ten 
children, and four of his sons located in this 
county. vSanuiel <)., father of our subject, was 
born in Mass.acluisetls, ami dates his residence in 
the Badger State from 1844, at which time he 
located in Eyons Township, where he still makes 
his home, and where for many years he carried 



on farming. He married Miss Charlotte, daughter 
of David \'antine, who was born in New York, of 
Holland ancestry. He followed farming and 
.school teaching in Clinton County, N. Y., and 
there died in 1873, at the age of eighty-four years. 
Mrs. Weeks passed away in the same year. In 
her family were five children, three sons and two 
daughters, of whom four are yet living: Mar>-, 
widow of M. H. .Sj)erry, of Elkhorn, Wis.; Irene, 
wife of h. I.. Cobb, of Elkhorn; Hobert O., of 
Whitewater: and Wilbur G., of this sketch. 

In the county of his nativity, Mr. Weeks of 
this sketch was reared to manhood. He remained 
at home upon the farm until fourteen years of 
age, and then entered the office of the Elkhorn 
Iiidcpiitdiul. where he began learning the printer's 
trade. His early education, acquired in the dis- 
trict sc1kk)1s, was supplemented by study in the 
public schools of Elkhorn and in the Normal 
School of Whitewater. On the i.st of April, 1881, 
he accepted the management of the Delavan 
Republican, then owned by a stock company, and 
two years later bought the outfit, since which 
time he has contiinied its j)ublicalion. 

On the 23d of August, 1882, Mr. Weeks was 
united in marriage with Mi.ss Beatrice Tilden, a 
native of Delavan, and a daughter of Ithiel and 
Margaret (Averill) Tilden, who were natives of 
the lunpire State. To them has been Ijorn a .son, 
l-red 15., now a lad of ten >ears. The parents 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



175 



are both faithful and consistent members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Weeks is 
now serving as Church Trustee and as Superin- 
tendent of the vSunday-scliool. Socially, he is 
connected with the Masonic and Knights of 
Pythias fraternities, and in politics he is a .stal- 
wart supporter of Republican principles. He is 



now the owner of a good home property, besides 
one of the finest printing-offices in the state. 
Neat and clean, with a place for everything and 
everything in its place, it is a well-equipped 
establishment, and the work wliich it turns out is 
first-class in every particular. 



BENONI O. REYNOLDS, M. D. 



gENONI O. REYNOLDS, M. D., a phy.sician 
and surgeon engaged in practice in Lake 
Geneva, has not only been prominent in his 
profession in this locality, but has also been 
a leader in political and social interests, and is 
recognized as a ino.st prominent citizen . He was 
born in Sempronius Township, Cayuga County, 
N. Y., July 26, 1824, and is a .son of John and 
Nancy (Haj') Reynolds. This worthy couple 
had a family of nine children, two sons and .seven 
daughters, and six of the ninnber are j-et living, 
namely: Emeline, widow of Ezra Win.slow, a res- 
ident of Chattanooga, Tenn.; Caroline, wife of 
Richard Snyder; Catherine, widow of Ira Perry, 
and a resident of McGregor, Iowa; Sophronia, 
wife of William C. Thompson, a resident of 
Waukon, Iowa; Nancy, wife of D. Cha.se; and the 
Doctor. The father of our subject was a farmer, 
who died in Onondaga County, N. Y., in his 
eightieth year. His wife had previously passed 
awaj'. In the War of 18 12 he served as a .soldier. 
The paternal grandfather of our subject bore 
the name of Benoni Reynolds, and was a native 
of Wales. During Colonial days he cro.ssed tlie 
broad Atlantic to America, and when the Colonies 
began their struggle for independence he entered 
the .ser\'ice as a Revolutionary soldier. For many 
years he lived in Marcellus, N. Y., and there 
died at the age of almost one hundred years. 
The maternal grandfatlier was a native of Ger- 
many. He too .ser\ed in the Revolutionary War, 
and passed away at a ripe old age. 



Dr. Reynolds of this sketch li\ed in Cayuga 
County, N. Y., through the days of his boyhood 
and youth, and acquired his early education in 
its district .schools. He may truly be called a 
self-made man. At the age of thirteen he was 
bound out to learn a trade. For a time he worked 
in a cooper shop, and then followed farm work 
for three years, on the expiration of which period 
he ran away and began life for himself. He 
planned to secure a better education, and for two 
winters engaged in teacliing .school. At the age 
of .seventeen, he began studying medicine, and 
thorough preparation has made him an excellent 
physician. As soon fls he found it possible, he 
entered Rush Medical College of Chicago, and 
was graduated therefrom in 1851. About ten 
years later he was graduated from the Opthahnic 
College of New York City. 

In 1855, Dr. Reynolds located in Elkhoru, 
Wis. He began practice, however, in Hunters- 
ville, Ohio, and in 1848 had removed to Racine, 
Wis., where he remained until coming to Wal- 
worth County, as before stated. In 1866, he 
came to Lake Geneva, and soon acquired an ex- 
tensive and lucrative practice, wliich lias contin- 
ued up to the present time. 

In 1 86 1, Dr. Reynolds was commissioned Sur- 
geon of the Third Wi.sconsin Cavalry, and .served 
with distinction in that capacity until 1865. The 
estimate placed upon his ability while a surgeon 
in the army is shown by the following order 
of Brig. -Gen. J. R. West, chief of the cavalry 



176 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



division: "The oj>eratiiig staff will consist of 
Surgeon B. O. Reynolds, of the Third Wisconsin 
Cavalrv, and Surgeon \V. \V. Bailey, of the I'irst 
Missouri Ca\alry, and no ojx-ration sliall he per- 
formed without their sanction and direction; and 
in all doubtful cases the Board of Operating Sur- 
geons In charge will consult together, and a ma- 
jority shall decide upon the expediency and char- 
acter of the operation." 

Dr. Reynolds was married, March 30, 1848, to 
Miss Mar>J. Smith, who was horn in Brookfield, 
Truinhull County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Dr. 
John and Sarah (Bottles) Smith. Two children 
have heen born to them: James C. , who graduated 
from Rush Medical College of Chicago, and also 
pursued a course in the Bellevue Medical College 
of New York City, and is now engaged in prac- 
tice with his father; and Willis S., who was 



graduated from the Chicago Medical College, and 
is cashier of a bank at Hurley, Wis. 

The Doctor is a meniljer of McPherson Post, 
0. A. R., and of the Loyal Legion. His wife 
belongs to the Congregational Church. In 1884 
the DcK'tor was appointed a member of the State 
Board of Health, and .served in that capacity for 
eight years. He is a member of the National 
Medical Association and of the National Board 
of Health, and also of the 'State Medical Soci- 
ety of Wiscon.sin. He aided in the organization 
of the Rejiublican part\-, and since its establish- 
ment has been one of its earnest advocates. He 
is recognized as a skilled physician and surgeon, 
and has won a leading place among his profes- 
sional brethren and .secured from the public a 
large and lucrative patronage. 



JOHN ALLOTT 



3r)HX ALLOTT, deceased, was for thirty-one 
\ ears a resident of Delavan, and was recog- 
nized as one of its Valued citizens. His 
■sketch well deserves a jilace in the hi.storv- of the 
county, and we gladly present it to our readers. 
He was born in Yorkshire, England, July 11, 
1S24, and was a son of John and Sarah Allott, 
who were natives of the same country. In their 
family were only two children, and the brother, 
Joseph, was drowned on his way home from a 
\isit to England. The father was a weaver by 
trade. He died in his native land at the age of 
sixty-four, and his wife survived him about eight 
years. They were both members of the Ivjjisco- 
pal Church. 

Under the parental roof John Allott was reared 
to manhood, and in the conunon schools of his 
native land acquired his education. On leaving 
home he learned the millwright's trade. He was 
a young man of eighteen when, in 1842, he cros.sed 
the Atlantic to America, locating in Rochester, 



X. Y. After a short lime, however, he went to 
Port Colborne, where he remained for about five 
years. He then removed to Beloit, Wis., where 
he engaged in the grocerj- business for a year, 
after which he spent two years carrj-itig on a 
meat-market in connection with Mr. Janibin. In 
the latter part of 1862 he came to Delavan, and 
made it his permanent home. He devoted his 
lime to running a meat-market and shipping 
live slock, and did a successful busine.ss, accinnu- 
lating a comforlalile conij)ttence. 

On the 4th of March, 1850, Mr. Allott was 
united in marriage with Miss Lucy Smith, 
daughter of George and Elizabeth (Busier) 
Smith, who were natives of Tyrone Township, 
Huntingdon County, Pa. Her father was a Lu- 
theran minister, and during the greater jiart of 
his life engaged in pastoral work in Penn.sylvania. 
Afterwards, however, he abandoned the ministry, 
removed to Canada, and for some time served as 
Deputy Collector at Porl Ct)lborne. His death 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



177 



occurred in 1846, at the age of fifty-seven, and 
his wife passed away in 1844, at the age of fifty- 
five. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Allott 
also bore the name of George Smith, and was a 
native of Germany, hut in an early day removed 
to Pennsylvania, where he followed farming. He 
lived to an advanced age, and reared a family of 
four children. The maternal grandfather, Jacob 
Bu.sler, was also born in Germany, but was mar- 
ried and spent his remaining days in Penn.syl- 
vania, devoting his time to agricultural pur- 
.suits. 

Mrs. Allott was only two and a half years old 
when her parents went to Canada, and she there 
grew to womanhood. vShe was one of ten chil- 
dren, five .sons and five daughters, namely: Mary 
Ann, David, George, Elizabeth, Matilda, Marga- 
ret, lyUcinda, Clinton, Franklin and Charles 
Houston. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Allott were born nine children. 
John F., the eldest, who is proprietor of a market 
in Chicago, married Miss Sarah Jones, daughter 
of Rev. William Jones, of California, by whom 
he has four children: Frankie, Margie, Carroll 
and John. Frederick Clinton is the next in order 
of birth. Henry Eu.ston married Miss Ollie Sny- 
der, and is proprietor of a restaurant in Chicago. 



William W. is the third of the family. EHzabeth 
and Sarah Janet are now deceased. Nellie May 
is the wife of Fred Smith, of Bloomington, 111., 
by whom .she has two children, Warda Ralph 
and Lila Asenath. Jennie Lucy, the youngest 
of the family, is deceased. 

John Allott, during his long residence in Dela- 
van, formed a wide acquaintance, and won the 
respect and esteem of all with whom business or 
.social relations brought him in contact, for his 
life was ever honorable and upright. In politics, 
he was a supporter of the Republican party, but 
never sought or desired political preferment. 
His well-directed efforts won him success in busi- 
ness, and he owned a fann near Beloit and had a 
good home and other property in Delavan. He 
was a member of the Episcopal Church, and of 
the Sons of Temperance, and the best interests of 
the community always found in him a friend. 
He passed away February 18, 1893, at the age of 
sixty-nine, and his loss was widely and deeply 
mourned. Mrs. Allott is a member of the Free- 
will Baptist Church, and, as did her husband, de- 
lights in doing good. She still makes her home 
in Delavan, and is one of the highly respected 
ladies of that place. 



FREDERICK BROWNELL. 



[~REDERICK BROWNELL, who is liv- 
JM ing retired in Lake Geneva, through well- 
I ' directed efforts in former years acquired the 
capital which now enables him to lay aside busi- 
ness cares. A native of New York, he was born 
in Dutchess County, on the 2 2d of February, 
1817, and was an oidy child. His grandfather 
was a native of Nova Scotia, and in an early da\- 
removed to Dutchess Count>-, where his death oc- 
curred at an advanced age. His father died when 
about twenty-five years of age, and Frederick was 
reared by his grandfather on the old home farm 



in New York until eighteen years of age. He 
then began working as a farm hand by the 
month, being employed by a neighbor, Thomas 
White, and later he followed various pursuits 
whereby he might earn an hone.st living. 

In 1837, Mr. Brownell left his native county 
and removed to western New York. There he 
was married in February, 1840, the lady of his 
choice being Miss Mary Lavina Tabor, daughter 
of Pardon and Hannah ( Finch ) Tabor, who were 
natives of Genesee County, X. ^■. The young 
cou]ile began tlieir domestic life in the Ivmpire 



178 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



State and there resided for some years. In 1844, 
Mr. Brownell started westward to seek a home, 
and being much pleased with Walworth County, 
Wis., he located in Geneva Township, five 
miles from the village of Lake Geneva, where he 
bought a farm of forty acres. He at once began 
its cultivation and development, and as time 
pa.ssed he added to it a tract of .seventy-six acres. 
Devoting his time and attention to agricultural 
pursuits, he continued U])i)n the farm until 1S73, 
when he sold out and canii.' to Lake Geneva, 
where for some time he ran a cider-pre.ss, and also 
engaged in digging wells. In 185 1, he made a 
trip to California, where he spent two years. 
During that time he managed to save iJSrK), which 
he deposited in a bank in .San Franci.sco, but the 
bank failed, and he thus lost all he had. 

On his return to his farm in Walworth Countv, 
which he had left in charge of his wife during his 



western trip, he began work with good courage, 
and gradualh' accumulated enough to keep him 
and his e.stimable wife in comfortable circum- 
stances throughout their remaining da>s. He 
may truly be called a self-made man. for his suc- 
ce.ss is due entirely to his own efforts. 

Socially, .Mr. Hrownell is a memljer of tlie Ma- 
sonic fraternity and lias taken the Royal Arch 
degree, In ]),ililics, he is indc])endenl. He came 
til Walworth Count\- when it was a wilderness, 
and when Indians still resided in the neighbor- 
hood. Here he has lived for half a century, dur- 
ing which time he has not been a carele.ssob.ser\-- 
er of the growth and development of the com- 
nuinity, but has always aided in its progress and 
development as his time and means would afford. 
The be.st interests of the community have ever 
found in him a friend, ready to aid in their pro- 
motion. 



DR. I-:i)\VIX S. McBURXKV. 



0K. KDWIN S. .McIURXlvV, who is success- 
fully engaged in the practice of dentistry in 
Delavan, where he is recngtii/.ed as a leading 
and influential citizen, claims I'enn.sylvania as the 
State of his nativity. He was boni in Hickor>-, 
Washington C<>nnt\', Se])tember i(S, 1851J, and is 
a .son of John and Klizabeth ( Hammond) MclJur- 
ney, who were also natives of the Keystone State. 
The paternal grandfather, John McBurney, was 
l)orn in Penn.syhania, and was descended from a 
family of Scotch origin. He followed farming 
tliroughout his entire life, and died in Hickory, 
at the age of se\enty-nine years. The maternal 
grandfather, Samuel Hammond, was also born in 
I'enn.sylvania, and was of Scotch lineage. Ik- 
was a man of firm convictions, honest .-uid n])righl 
in all things, and as a means of lixeliluHid he al- 
ways followed farming. His death occurred at 
the age of sixty-seven. 



The father of our subject is also a dentist by pro- 
fe.s.sion. He has spent his entire life in Hickory, 
Pa., engaged in business along that line. He 
and his wife are members of the United Presby- 
terian Church, and are highly-respected citizens. 
By their union were born six sons, of whom five 
are yet living, namely: Edwin S., of this sketch; 
John K., who makes his home in North Buffalo, 
Pa.: William H., who is located in Grafton, Pa.; 
and Robert II. and George A., Ixith of whom are 
living in Hickory. 

Our subject is the oidy member of the family 
residing outside the boundaries of the Ke>stone 
State. He was reared in Hickory, and acquired 
his education in its public .schools. When (jnite 
young he began studying dentistry under the di- 
rection of his father, and with him continued un- 
til 18S2, when he emigrated westward, locating 
in Delavan, Wis., where he has since practicetl. 





TiMOTiiN II Im:i.i.()\\s 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



i8i 



On the 27th of December, 1883, Dr. McBurney 
was united in marriage with Miss Mamie Hatch. 
She was a member of the Baptist Church, and 
died in that faith on the 15th of September, 1889. 
On the 1 8th of October, 1893, tlie Doctor was 
again married, his second union being with Miss 
Nettie Hatch, a sister of his first wife, and a 
daughter of Lewis F. and Sarah F. (Rector) 
Hatch, well-known residents of Delavan. Our 
subject and his wife are both nieml)ers of the 
Baptist Church, and are active workers in its in- 
terest. The Doctor is serving as Secretary of the 
Sundaj'-school, and does all in his power for the 



growth and upbuilding of both the school and the 
church. 

Socially, Dr. McBurney is a member of the 
Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Modern 
Woodmen lodge. He votes with the Republican 
party, and is a warm advocate of its principles, 
but has never sought or de.sired political prefer- 
ment, desiring rather to give his entire time and 
attention to his business interests. He has a well- 
equipped office, keeps abreast with the times, is 
thoroughly interested in his profession, and is 
now recognized as one of the leading dentists of 
Walworth Countv. 



TIMOTHY H. FELLOWS. 



'I MOTH Y H. FELLOWS, one of the highly 
respected citizens of Walworth County and 
one of its honored pioneers, is living retired 
on the old home farm on section 35, Bloomfield 
Township. He was born in Luzerne County, 
Pa., March 14, 1812, and is one of thirteen chil- 
dren whose parents were Abiel and Dorcas (Hop- 
kins) Fellows. His father was a native of Con- 
necticut, and the mother of Massachusetts. The 
former, at the age of fifteen years, joined the Con- 
necticut militia who flocked to the aid of Gen. 
Gage and Gen. Schuyler during the Revolu- 
tionary War. He accompanied his uncle, who 
commanded a division at the battle of Freeman's 
Farm, on the 7th of October, 1777. He took part 
in the battle of Saratoga on the 17th of October, 
when Burgoyne surrendered, and then returned 
home, but .shortly after re-enlisted, and remained 
in the service until the independence of the colo- 
nies was an assured fact. During President Jack- 
son's admini.stration he was granted a pension of 
$96 per annum. He was a farmer, and in 1829 
went west to Kalamazoo, Mich. He purchased 
a farm near Schoolcraft, and there made his home 
until his death, which occurred in August, 1833, at 
about the age of sixty-two years. He was also a 



Militia Colonel during the Black Hawk War, 
served on the staff of Gen. Cass, and aided in or- 
ganizing the troops in western Michigan. He was 
alwaj's a prominent citizen in whatever commun- 
ity he lived, and won the respect of all with whom 
he came in contact. The Fellows family was of 
English origin. 

Our subject's father was three times married. 
His first wife was a Miss Andrews, and for his sec- 
ond wife he wedded Catherine Manna, by whom 
he had six children: Ann, Andrus, Amanda, Al- 
mira, Abiel and A.sahel. His third wife was Dor-, 
cas, daughter of Timothy Hopkins, a native of 
Connecticut. On the gth of November, 1864, she 
was granted a pension of $70 per year in recogni- 
tion of her husband's services in the Revolution. 
The pension certificate bore the number 6,697, 
and was recorded in the Pension Office under Act 
of Februar3^ 3, 1853. Mrs. Fellows .survived her 
husband many j^ears, and died in May, 1866. Of 
the seven sons and six daughters in her famil)-, 
five are yet living: Timothy H.; Sarah, wife of 
Richard Huyck, of Decatur, Mich.; Orville H., 
who is living in Schoolcraft, Mich.; Milo, who 
makes his home in Mills County, Iowa; and Lucy, 
wife of C. W. Sible\-, of State Center, Iowa. 



lS2 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



We now take up the personal historj' of Timo- 
thy H. Fellows, who remained in Ln/erne County, 
Pa., until he was eij^htcen years of aj^c, livinj; u])- 
011 the farm. The year 1829 witne.s.sed his arriv- 
al in Michigan, where he purchased land, and for 
ten years enijaged in its cultivation. Duriii); that 
l)ericKl he was married. In 1831 he wedded 
MissEli/.a Ann Duncan, daughter of William and 
Ruth ( Gilmore) Duncan, who were nativesof New 
Hampshire. Ivleven chihlren were born of this 
union. Edwin, the eldest, died in infancy. Gilmore 
I), married Miss Helen A. Norris, by whom he had 
one child, Gertrude, now deceased. The moth- 
er (licil in 1876, and he then wedded Dora H. 
I'arndee, by whom he has one son. Timothy How- 
ard. Tlieodure A. married Miss Jane A. Monear. 
.\nn, lunma J., Anna Iv, Frances Ruth. Mary 
H., William T., Louisa I. and Katie L. are all 
now deceased. 

Mr. Fellows has Ijeen a re.sident of Walworth 
County since 18,^9. At that time the county was 
so thinly .settled that he bla/etl the trees in order 
to find his way from place to place. Purchasing 
between three and four hundred acres of land, he at 
once began the development and cultivation of 
the farm, and to this he lias added until he now 



owns five hundred and forty acres. He has also 
owned several other farms, but still retains possess- 
ion of the old homestead, which for fifty-five years 
has been his place of abode. In 18S7 he was 
called up>on to mourn the lo.ss of his wife, who died 
on the 23d of April, at the age of seventy-two. She 
was a member of the Congregational Church, to 
which Mr. F'ellows also belongs. 

In his political views our subject was formerl\- 
a Whig, although liis father voted the Democratic 
ticket. When the Republican party .sprang into 
existence he joined its ranks and has since been one 
of its stalwart supporters. He was a prominent Ab- 
olitionist, and aided in what was popularly known 
as the rndergronnd Railroad, at one time sending 
his eldest .son, Theodore, as an attendant of a runa- 
way slave to the next station on the line. He 
served as the first Chairman of the Board of 
.Sujjcrvi.sors of Bloomfield Township, and in 1851 
and 1S52 represented his district in the State Leg- 
islature. No trust reposed in him is ever betrayed, 
and he is alike true to every duty, whether public 
or private. He has gone through all the experi- 
ences of pioneer life, and during his fifty-five years' 
residence in Walwortli Count\' has become one of 
its most honored and highly respected citizens. 



1 



\\i:sLi:\' x. loiiNsox. 



|i:SI.i:V X. JOHNSON is one of the intlu- 
eiUial and honored citizens of Lake Geneva. 
He is now serving as Mayor, and since 
1890 he has been the owner of the Lake Geneva 
Steamer Line. A jmblic-spirited and progressive 
citizen, he takes an active interest in everything 
pertaining to the welfare of the comnuniity, and 
does all in his power fur the promotion of worthy 
enterprises. 

Mr. John,son was born in Cortland Couiit\-, X. 
v., Jaiuiary C\ 1852, and is a son of l%ra,stus and 
Nancy (Newton) John.son, who were also natives 
of the Empire State. The paternal grandfather. 



Al)ner John.son, was born in Connecticut and fol- 
lowed farming and hotel-keeping. His family 
numbered eight children. The maternal grand- 
father, Caleb Newton, a Long Island farmer, was 
a pioneer in Cortland, N. Y., starting from Patch- 
ogue in one of the old-fashioned cosercd wagons. 
He reached the age of seventy-.seven years. His 
life was an honoralile and njjright one, and he was 
a very devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, doing nuich for its welfare. 

Ivrastus Johnson also devoted his energies to 
agricidtural pursuits, ami in the lunpire State 
spent his entire life, his death there occurring in 



/^ 



>. 



r^ #i 




\\'i':si.i:v Jonxsox 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



183 



188 1, at the age of seventy-one years. His wife 
survived him until the winter of 1892, and passed 
away at the age of seventy-one. In religious be- 
lief they were Methodists and took a leading part 
in church work. vSix children were born to them, 
but only three of the number are now living: Lu- 
cretia D., wife of John E. Burton, of Eake Gen- 
eva; Wesley of this sketch; and Mary E., widow 
'of George Cunningham. 

In the usual manner of farmer lads our subject 
spent the days of his boyhood and youth, earlj- 
becoming familiar with all the duties of farm life. 
His primary education, acquired in the connnon 
schools, was supplemented by study in Cazenovia 
Seminar}-, where he remained for three years. On 
attaining to man's estate, he .started out in life for 
him.self, following the occupation to which he had 
been reared. He thus carried on agricultural 
pursuits in the East until 1886, when he came to 
Wi.scon.sin, locating in Lake Geneva. He was 
.employed to look after about two thousand acres 
of land, in different farms, the property of his 
brother-in-law, J. E. Burton. This business oc- 



cupied his attention until 1890, when he purchased 
the line of Lake Geneva steamers which he still 
owns. 

The lady who now bears the name of Mrs. 
Johnson was formerly Mrs. Emma Hutchins, and 
a daughter of (Barrett and PCliza (Waterbury) 
Pennoyer. Three children have been born to 
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, Jessie, Frank and Bessie. 
In 1892, our subject built a beautiful residence 
in Lake Geneva. It was erected in a modern 
.style of architecture, is .supplied with all modern 
conveniences and improvements, and is a very 
hand.some home. vSocially, he is a member of 
Lake Geneva Lodge No. 96, K. P. 

In his political views, Mr. Johnson is a Repub- 
lican. He .served as Fire Marshal of Lake Gen- 
eva for three years, and in Januar\-, 1894, was 
elected Mayor of the city, to fill a vacancy caused 
by the death of William Seymour, and in April 
was re-elected. He takes a ju.st pride in every- 
thing pertaining to the advancement of the city's 
interest, and as Mayor his influence will ever be 
put forth for the good of the connnunity. 



SAMUEL iMcCOTTER. 



0AMUEL McCOTTER, who is now living a 
2\ retired life in Lake Geneva, is a native of 
VS/ the Green Mountain State, for he was born 
in Orwell, Rutland County, Vt., on the 28th of 
February, 1821. He is of Scotch descent, his 
paternal grandfather having been a native of 
Scotland, and the founder of the family in Amer- 
ica. On crossing the Atlantic, he located in 
Philadelphia, where he engaged in ship-building. 
His death occurred when seventy years of age. 
James McCotter, the father of our subject, was 
born in Philadelphia, and became a carpenter and 
joiner. He married Janet Howard, a native of 
Benson, \'t. , and a daughter of Samuel Howard, 
a farmer of the Nutmeg State. Her father 



reached the advanced age of eighty years. He , 
was a member of the Congregational Church, 
and lived an honorable, upright life, well worthy 
of emulation. To Mr. and Mrs. McCotter were 
born eight children, but only two are now living, 
our subject and his sister Catherine, wife of James 
Sinunons. The parents are also now deceased. 
They were members of the Congregational 
Church, and the father, who possessed a fine 
voice, sened as leader of the choir for some 
years. 

Mr. McCotter of this sketch .spent the first ten 
years of his life in his native town, and then re- 
moved to Middlebury, \'t. After his father's 
death he operated the home farm for about seven 



1 84 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



years. He was a hard-working lioy, and the 
educational privileges of his youth were quite 
limited. On attaining his majority he began 
work as a iK-diUer. At length he determined to 
.seek a home in the West, hoping thereby to bene- 
fit his financial condition, and in 1S44 emigrated 
to Chicago. During tlie succeeding four \ears 
he engaged in peddling in Illinois and Wisconsin. 
In 1849, attracted by the discovery of gold in 
California, he cros.sed the plains to the Pacific 
Slope, where he engaged in mining for two years. 
On the expiration of that period he returned to 
Chicago and opened a grocery store. He was the 
third man who started a delivery busine.s.s in that 
city, and was one of only three business men who 
went through the financial j)anic of 1857. He 
continued in bu.sine.ss in Chicago until 1861, and 
from that time until 1S74 lived retired on account 
of ill liealth. In the latter year he came to Lake 
Geneva, where he has since made his home. 

Mrs. McCotter bore the maiden name of Mi.ss 
Sarah G. Kvans. Thev were married on the 



15th of Februarj', 1852, and have now traveled 
life's journey together for forty -two years. The 
lady is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and 
has the warm regard of all who know her. In 
his political views, Mr. McCotter is a Repul)lican. 
He owns a good home in Lake Geneva, and has 
.some real estate in Chicago. In former years he 
was an indefatigable worker, but his great energj' 
carried him beyond human endurance, and com- 
])elled him .some years ago to retire from business 
and .seek recuperation. He has again found 
health on the beautiful Lake Geneva, where he 
s])ends much of his time Ixaating and fishing. 
He is a genial, kind-hearted man, and has a host 
of friends in the connnunity. When a Ixiy he 
learned to work hard, and .steadily won his way 
upward from a Innnble position to one of afflu- 
ence. Rusiness reverses did not take away his 
courage and determination to succeed, and the 
obstacles in his path seemed rather an impetus to 
renewed effort. 



i)anii:l gross. 



0.\XIIU, GROS.S, a mason and contractor, 
who is now engaged in business in Lake 
tV-neva, is recognized as one of the wide- 
awake and enteqirising citizens of this place. As 
he has a wide acquaintance in this community, we 
feel that the record of his life will prove of inter- 
est to many of our readers. A native of New 
York, he was born in Chautau(|ua C<punty, May 
30, 1829, and is a son of Timothy and Amy 
(Clark) Gross, the former a native of Maine, and 
the latter of Massachusetts. The family is of 
I'jiglish origin, and was founded in America by 
the grandfather of our subject, David Gross, a 
native of Kssex, Kngland, who emigrated to the 
New World during his bo>hood. He was ac- 
companied !)}■ two brothers, and located in Maine, 
where for some years he engaged in tlie hiinbcr 



business and in securing material for ship-build- 
ing. When the War for Independence com- 
menced he entered the Colonial ser\ice, and aided 
in the struggle to throw of the yoke of IJrilish 
oppres.sion until the result .so earnestly wi.shed 
for was attained. He reared a family of .seven 
children, was a memt)er of the Presbyterian 
Clmrcli, and lived to the advanced age of ninety- 
six \ears. 

On the maternal side our subject is of Scotch 
descent. His grandfather, John Clark, was born 
in Glasgow, Scotland, and when a lad of nine 
sunnners shipped before the mast. For thirty- 
five years he .sailed the high seas and four times 
was .shi]i wrecked. The last time he was captured 
by a Si)aniard, who held him as a sla\e for eigh- 
teen months. l'"riim that time forward he had no 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



185 



love for Spanish people, and to hear them praised 
would rouse his Scottish ire. He afterward came 
to America, locating first in the Pine Tree State, 
from whence he remo\ed to New York. He 
reared a familj- of six children, three sons and 
three daughters. On abandoning the sea he be- 
came a farmer, and was a .sturdy, stirring Scotch- 
man, honorable and straightforward in all things. 
He, too, was one of the heroes of the Revolution, 
.serving for six years. He never had the services 
of a doctor in his life until a few days before his 
death, which occurred at the age of ninety-eight 
years and six months. 

Timothy Gross, father of our subject, made 
farming his life occupation. He removed from 
the Empire State to Pennsylvania, and his last 
days were spent in Erie County, where he passed 
away in April, 1875, at the age of seventy -eight 
years. His wife died in May, 1856, .at the age 
of fifty-nine. Mr. Gross held membership with 
the Bapti.st Church, and served as one of its Dea- 
cons. Seven children were born to this worthy 
couple, five .sons and two daughters, of whom 
four are yet living: William, a resident of Minne- 
apolis, Minn. ; Daniel; Elijah, of Miiuieapolis; and 
Harriet, wife of Cyrus McArthur, of Corr\-, Pa. 

We now take up the personal history of Daniel 
Gross, who was reared upon a farm in Warren 
and Erie Counties, Pa. He lived with an uncle, 
Henry Stevens, between the ages of five and 
twenty-three years, during which time he ac- 
quired a good English education in the common 
schools. Afterward he began learning the brick 
and .stone mason's trade, and also the trade of a 



plasterer, and has carried on business along these 
lines throughout his entire life. In June, 1854, 
he came to Wisconsin, locating in Lake Geneva, 
where he has since made his home. 

On the 2 2d of March, 1855, Mr. Gross was 
united in marriage with Miss Marj- Ann Flack, 
daughter of James A. and Mary (Lidell) Flack, 
who were natives of St. Lawrence County, N. Y. 
To them was born a daughter, Mary Ella, now 
the wife of E. H. Brooks, a hardware merchant 
of Jane.sville, Wis., by whom she has one child, 
Mary Louise. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gro.ss are 
members of the Methodi.st Church, and through- 
out the communit}' where they have so long re- 
sided they are held in the highest regard. Dur- 
ing the late war, Mr. Gross manifested his loy- 
alty to the Union by enlisting in Company C, 
Ninth Illinois Cavalry, serving for eight months. 
On his return he resumed work at his trade, and 
has since been engaged in contracting and build- 
ing. He has been interested in almost ever)' large 
building that has been erected in Lake Geneva, 
and in addition to his operations along this line 
he has been engaged as a dealer in ice for nine- 
teen years. He has .served as Supervisor of the 
Second Ward for two terms, and the be.st inter- 
ests of the community have ever received his 
hearty support and co-operation. He is num- 
bered among the earl)- settlers of the count)-, hav- 
ing witnessed almost its entire growth and devel- 
opment, and has never been a disinterested on- 
looker, but has always borne his part in the work 
of public progress. 



REV ISAAC N. MARKS. 



REV. ISAAC N. MARKS, rector of the 
Church of the Holy Communion of Lake 
Geneva, was born in New Orleans, La., on 
the Sth of December, 1845, and comes of an old 
Southern family. His paternal grandfather. 



Alexander Marks, was a native of South Caro- 
lina, and engaged in merchandising in Columbia, 
and in Charleston, S. C, for some time, and 
lived to the advanced age of more than .seventy 
years. His death occurred in New Orleans, 



1 86 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



where he made his home for a few years previous 
to his demise. His ancestors came from England 
and were English Jews. 

The father of our subject, l.saacN. Marks, Sr., 
was bom in South Carolina, and was one of a 
family of nine sons and four daughters. He, t(X), 
followed merchandising, for many years carrying 
on connnercial pursuits in the Crescent City, 
where he has now made liis home for the long 
jieriod of fifty-eight years. He married Miss 
Hannah J. Lee, a native of South Carolina, and 
to them were born eight children, but only two of 
the luunber are now living: Re\-. Isaac N., of 
this sketch, and Eva, wife of Dr. Robert Bailey, 
of New Orleans. 

We now lake up the i)ersonal histor\' of the 
gentleman whose name heads this record. He 
was reared and etlucated in New Orleans, and 
until twent\- -nine years of age was coiniected with 
his father in merchandising, but in 1.S74 he 
abandoned business interests to devote himself to 
the ministr>-. In 1.S77 he was made a Deacon 
of the Episcopal Church, and thus .served until 
May, iSSo, when he became a priest of that 
church, and has since devoted his entire time to 
pastoral labors. He ([ualified him.self for the 
work of the ministrx- wliile engaged in business. 
For six \ears he .ser\-ed with the church in New 



Orleans, and then left his native city for the 
North. 

In the mean time the Rew Mr. Marks was mar- 
ried. ()\\ the 9th of Novemtxrr, i.S6y. he was 
joined in wedlock with Miss Ursula Butler, 
daughter of Brevoort andl'rsula ( Moore 1 Butler, 
the former a native of New York and the latter 
of Mi.ssissip]ii. Their union has been bles.sed 
with three children: Ursula. Lsaac N. and 
Jo.sephine. 

On leaving New Orleans, Mr. Marks spent five 
years in charge of the E])i.scopal Church in Abi- 
lene, Miss., and was then called to the pastorate 
of a church in Jack.son, Tenn., where he remained 
for four years. In i.Sg2 he came to Lake Geneva 
and took charge of the j)arish over which he has 
since presided. The new house of worship was 
erected about iS,S4, and is a neat stone edifice 
with modern furnishings, including a 5,1,000 pipe 
organ. Tlie church is free from debt, has a 
.strong member.ship, and is in a thriving condition. 
Mr. Marks labors earnestly for the welfare of his 
ehurch and its people, and the Episcopal ministrx- 
numbers him among its earnest, faithful and able 
members. His geiitlemanl\', courteous maimer 
has won him the re.spect of all with whom he has 
been brought in contact, and since coming t<j 
Lake Geneva he has made manv warm friends. 



ADOLPM RC)I^i:Rr SHULZ. 



fl 



DOLPH ROBERT SHULZ, an artist of 
much prominence, now residing in Delavan, 
Wis., claims this as his native city, for he was 
Iwrn here on the 12th of June, 1869. The family 
is of German origin, and the grandfather of our 
subject never left his nati\e land. The first 
August Shulz was born in Schloppe, Germany, 
and became a saddler and harness-maker by trade. 
Emigrating to America, he lived for a few years 
in Chicago, and in 1853 came to Delavan, Wis. 
Here he bought out the harness-making establish- 



ment of Mr. Tachner, and continued business 
along that line until January 1, 1X75, wlien he 
sold out, l)eing succeeded by his brother, J. C. 
vShulz. He was an expert workman, who thor- 
<iu.i;hl\ uinkrsliiod his liusiness in all its details, 
and by careful management, well-directed efforts, 
enterprise and industry he won a high degree of 
success, acquiring a haiuLsome competence. He 
was a man of great benevolence, noted for his 
genero.sity, and his life was worthily spent. 

Mr. Shul/ was united in marriage with -Miss 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



187 



Augusta Lott, who was born in Sorge, in the 
Hartz Mountains, in Prussia. Six children were 
born to them, but only two are now living: 
Minna Augu,sta and Adolph. Mrs. Shulz was a 
daughter of Gottfried Lott, a native of Germany, 
who crossed the Atlantic to America about 1848, 
and for a time followed blacksmithing in Chicago. 
When well advanced in years he retired from 
active business life. He .spent one year in Dela- 
van, after which he returned to the city, where 
his last days were passed. Mr. Shulz, father of 
our subject, died April 4, 1886, at the age of 
sixty -three. His wife survived him .several years, 
and was called to her final re.st in September, 
i8gi, at the age of .sixty-four. They were both 
prominent members and leading workers in the 
Congregational Church, and Mr. Shulz served as 
Church Treasurer for many years. When in 
Germany he was a .soldier in the regular army, 
and served under Von Moltke when that General 
was a Lieutenant. 

Adolph Shulz, who.se name heads this record, 
was reared in his native city, and acquired his 
early education in its public .schools. Early 



manifesting a love of art, and displaying consider- 
able talent in that direction, he became a .student 
in the Art Institute of Chicago, and afterwards 
.studied under Mowbra\- & Chase, of New York. 
He then crossed the Atlantic to Paris and studied 
under Le Fevre, Con.stant & Laurens, who are 
celebrated as among the be.st artists of the world. 
For two years he continued his studies, and his 
sister also spent one year with him, devoting her 
time to the study of music. In the autumn of 1894, 
they expect again to go to Europe, and will re- 
main abroad for two years. They consider Dela- 
van, however, as their permanent home, and in 
1893 Mr. Shulz erected a beautiful re.sidence, 
tastefully furni.shed, and supplied with a studio, 
in which he can pros;ecute his work and studies. 
The masters in any profession say that it takes 
both genius and labor to attain the highest success. 
That Mr. Shulz po.s.sesses talent is unquestioned, 
and that he is supplementing it by the other re- 
quisite is also undoubted. Both he and his sister 
are members of the Congregational Church, and 
he holds membership with the Masonic fra- 
ternit^■. 



NELSON FAIRCHILD. 



|5\ELSON FAIRCHILD, who carries on ag- 
\j ricultural pursuits on section 17, Geneva 
I is Township, has for more than half a century 
made his home in Walworth County. When he 
came here in territorial days the Indians still lived 
in the neighborhood, and an Indian trail cro.ssed 
his farm, leading from Milwaukee to Big Foot, as 
Lake Geneva was then called. Wild animals 
were frequently .seen, and wild game of all kinds 
could be obtained in abundance. The county was 
still in its primitive condition, and the earnest 
labors of the sturdy pioneers was the magic touch 
which placed it in the front rank among the 
leading counties of the State. 

Mr. Fairchild is a native of New York. He 



was born in St. Lawrence County of the Empire, 
State in 1822, and is one of the eight children of 
Samuel and Sallie (Alexander) P'airchild. Only 
three of that number, however, are now living: 
Eliza, widow of Saxon Stevens, of Iowa; Nelson; 
and Alexander, of Tomb.stone, Ari. The father 
was a farmer, and with his family came to Wis- 
consin in 1 844. For a year he lived on Spring 
Prairie, and then made his home with his .son 
Nelson until his death, which occurred in March, 
1856, at the age of seventy-five years. His wife 
passed away three years later, at about the .same 
age. The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
Eleazer Fairchild. His parents were natives of 
Ireland. Three brothers of the name emigrated 



1 88 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



from the Emerald Isle, and were the founders of 
the family in this country. The grandfather went 
to Canada, served as an officer in the British army, 
and received twenty-one hundred acres of land 
for his services. He died at the age of .seventy- 
five. The maternal jjrandfather of our subject. 
David Alexander, was a native of Scotland, and 
a tailor by trade. He also .spent his la.st days in 
Canada. 

In the county of his nativity. Nelson Fairchild 
was reared to manhood, and in its public schools 
was educated. Having learned the carjietiter's 
trade, he followed that business, both in New 
York and Wi.scon.sin, for a number of years. He 
came to Walworth County in 1.S43, and the fol- 
lowing vear bought a farm of one hundred and 
sixty acres on section 17, Geneva Township. To 
this he has since added twenty acres, and the farm 
for fifty-one years has been his place of residence. 

On November i,^, 1847, Mr. Fairchild wed- 
ded Miss Laura, daughter of Daniel and Margaret 
( Lytle ) Kinue\-, who were natives of JelTer.son 
and St. Lawrence Counties, N. V., respectively. 
TIkv traveled life's journey together for tliirtv 



eight years, but in 1885 Mr. Fairchild wa.s called 
upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died «)n 
the 20th of August. She was a mendier of the 
Metliodist Ivj)iscopal Church, and in this c<jm- 
nnniity had many friends. The family iuiml)ered 
six children. George \V., who marrie<l vSusan 
Wylie, is engaged in the lumber business in Man- 
chester, Iowa. Daniel D., a farmer of Geneva 
Township, married lulna \'incent, and has three 
children: Jessie, Jennie and Burton. Albert M., 
who married Elma Bray, is engaged in teaching 
.school in Milwaukee. Alcon married Cora Bag- 
ley, and is a dentist of Mechanicsville. Iowa. 
Samuel married Miss Lou Williams, and is now 
an engineer, living in Marceline, Mo. Mina mar- 
ried luigene Barker, of Delavan, and they have a 
daughter, I'Uma. 

Mr. Fairchild ahva\s exercises his right f)f 
franchise in support of the Republican j)arty and 
its principles. During his long residence in the 
county he has become widely known, and his hon- 
oral)le, upright life has gained for him the con- 
fidence and esteem of all with whom he has been 
brought in contact. 



WILLIAM II. 1L\M.MI<:RSLI:\', Sk. 



|1LLIA.\I 11. HA.\1.\11-:KSLI':V, Sk., is en- 
gaged in business in Lake Geneva as a 
dealer in drugs, books and stationery. Ik- 
has a well-appointed store, filled with a good 
stock, and since iS^s he has engaged in busine.ss 
along this line. He is now recognized as one of 
the leading merchants of the place, and it is with 
])leasure that we present this record of his life to 
our readers. 

A native of England, Mr. Ilammcrsley was 
born in llindey, Stafibrdshire, on the Xth of Jan- 
uary, i.H.^2, and is a son of William -S. and Ann 
( Pedley ) Hanunersley, who were also natives of 
the .same country. The paternal granilfather, 
Ralph Hanunersle.v, died in luigland at about the 



age of seventy-five \ears. He was a man of 
strict integrity, who lived a consistent Christian 
life, and for many years served as Deacon of the 
Congregational Church, with which he held mem- 
bership. The father of our subject was a china 
manufacturer in his native land, and carried on 
business along that line until iS4^, when he emi- 
grated to America. Locating in New York Citv, 
he became an im]>orter of china and earthenware. 
In i.Sss he removed to the West, and, settling in 
h'linl, Mich., retired from active business. He 
and his wife were members of the Flint Presbyte- 
rian Church, and both are now decca.sed. They 
were the i)arents of four children, a .son and three 
tlaughters: .Vnii Jane, widow of Henry C. Walk- 



^ 



» 



-J*!*' 





i 



t. 




CiiAKi.i:s r. l^i.i.is 




Mrs. C. p. Ellis 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



193 



er, who is living in Ann Arbor, Mich.; William 
H.; Lucilla Oakley, wife of Edward M. Mason, of 
Girard, Kan.; and Fannie, wife of W. B. Buck- 
ingham, who is living in Stevens Point, Wis. 

When a lad of twelve summers Mr. Hanmiers- 
ley of this sketch bade adieu to friends and native 
land, and came to America with his mother and 
the other children of the family His education 
was acquired mainlj' in England, for .soon after 
coming to America he served as clerk in his 
father's store. Having remained under the pa- 
rental roof until he had attained to man's estate, 
he then became as.sociated with his father in bus- 
iness and the connection was continued until 1855. 
The following year he came to the West, and 
lived in Flint, Mich., until 1858, when he re- 
turned to the Empire State, and there spent the 
succeeding five years of his life. 

On the 6th of October, 1853, Mr. Hammersley 
was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth S. 
Smith, a daughter of Henry and Phcebe Ann 
(Barker) Smith. Their union has been blessed 
with three children: Grace C, wife of C. D. Gil- 
bert, by whom she has a daughter, Lizzie; 
Charles H., who married Mi,ss Ida E. Gilbert; 
and William H., who married Miss Emma M. 



Seymour. The latter have two children, Sey- 
mour and Henry. 

In 1863, Mr. Hammersley came with his fam- 
ily to Walworth County, and for a year resided 
upon a farm. He then came to Lake Geneva, 
where he has made his home for thirty years, de- 
voting his entire time and attention to his busi- 
ness interests. There is only one merchant now 
carrying on operations in the town who was here 
at the time of Mr. Hammersley's arrival. He 
has therefore witnes.sed the growth and devel- 
opment of the place, and his fellow-townsmen say 
that he has ever borne his part in the work of 
advancement and progress. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Hammersle\- hold member- 
-ship with the Congregational Church, and take 
an active interest in church and benevolent work. 
In his social relations he is a Royal Arch Mason. 
In politics, he is a Republican, and has held vari- 
ous town.ship offices. He has been Chairman of 
the Town Board of Supervisors, and was also 
Township Clerk. He is true to every trust re- 
posed in him, whether public or private, and is 
one of the valued and highly respected citizens of 
Lake Geneva. 



CHARLES PERKINS ELLIS. 



EHARLES PERKINS ELLIS, anearly resident 
of La Grange Township, in whose hou.se the 
first town meeting was held, pa.ssed the last 
thirty-nine years of his life there. He was born 
in Ashfield, Franklin County, Mass., March 20, 
18 12, and was descended from a familj- noted for 
its independence of thought and its pioneer spirit. 
His first ancestor in this country, Richard Ellis, 
was the son of a Welshman, who .served as an offi- 
cer in the Briti.sh army. Richard was born in 
Dublin, Ireland, on the i6th of Augu.st, 1704, 
and spent the first thirteen years of his life in va- 
rious parts of that i.sland, as the location of the 



military forces changed. His father having died, 
his mother paid for his cabin i>as.sage to Mrginia, 
where she expected he would find a home with 
an uncle resident there. The captain of the ves- 
sel in which he sailed was none too honest, and 
on landing at a Massachusetts port .sold the boy's 
time till of age, according to a custom of those 
day.s — claiming that he was a pauper. At Easton, 
Bristol County, Ma.ss., in 1728, Richard Ellis 
married Jane, daughter of Capt. John Phillips, a 
.soldier of the expedition against Quebec in 1690. 
In 1740 Richard Ellis removed from Easton to 
Deerfield, Ma.ss. , and shortly afterward began a 



I'OKTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL KECORD. 



^94 

cU-nrinn iiul critic-<t a lu;; lal.in in Ashficid (then wife were pioius and devoted Baptists. They had 
callcti Huiil.slowni, wliithir hi- l.«ik his family in tin chiUlren. and nine of these reached maturity. 
1745. This conslitute<l the first settlement of of whom seven reared families. The .second was 
that town, whtri- a liandsomemonumenthaslK.cn 
i-riiii-<l l>v his descendants. He die<l there in his 



ninety fourth year, and leftalarKeiMwterity. none 
of whom have live<I in that town for nearly half a 
cvnlnry. Ilinht of his nine children grew to ma- 
turity and reared lar^e families. His younj;est 
sou. Caleh Hllis. settled Ivllislmrn, Jefferson 
County. X. Y.. an<laKr:>'>«l'^'"- Richard, settled a 
plac-e iK-ariuK the same uanie in Potter County, Pa. 
Several thou.sand of his <lescendants are known to 



he whose name heads this article. Rhoda K\- 
lis died Auj;ust 26. 1864, and her husband May 
'.V 1S73. William and David ICllis, Jr., were 
note<l for their skill in martial music, and were 
active memljers of the Pennsylvania militia. 
Their father .sened through the Revolution, and 
was a lieutenant in the Mas.sachusetts militia af- 
ter that struggle. 

C. P. MUis was six years old when his parents 
move<l from Ma.s.sachusetts to Pennsvlvania. At 



Ik' now living, ami many have Ikcu pioneers of the aj^e of eight years he was accustomed to take 



New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio. Indiana. \Vis- 
ojusin. an<l of all the northwestern States, reach- 
ing to Orejjon and Texas. Many were soldiers 
in the Revohitionarv arm\ . 

Keul>en. eldest child of Richard lUlis. had 
seven children, and David, lheyounKestofthe.se, 
lioni January 30, 1763, movc-<l from Ashfield to 
Springfield, Urie County. Pa., in 181S. With 
him went his two sons, William and David, Jr. 



the light axe ])rovided for that i)urpose and go 
regularly to the wwkIs t«> a.ssi.st in clearing up the 
farm. Springfield was a heavily wooded town- 
slii]> on the shore of Lake Erie, and afforded few 
educational advantages. The settlers were poor, 
and the free-school system was not adopted in 
that State until 1S40. Three months in the year 
a school was maintained in a log .schoolhou.se, 
with slabs for seats and desks, light being ad- 



David I\llis was an ardent Baptist, and was for mitted at the windows through greasetl paper. 



many years a Deacon, sometimes taking the ]>ulpit 
in the al»sence tif a regular pastor. His Sabbath al- 
ways In-gan at sunset Saturday night, at which 
lime all the farm work nuisl be slopiH.-d until Mon 
day. His mother, Mehitable Scott, was a daugh- 
ter of Kichard and Ivlizabeth Si-ott, early settlers 
of Sunderland, Mass. .Sarah Washbuni, wile of 
Deacon David l-'Uis. was a daughter of Dejicon 



The principal (|ualification exacted of the teacher 
was the ability to properly flog the large boys. 
On reaching manh<Mid. Charles P. Kllis found 
employment in the IuuiIkt region of French Creek, 
one of the principal tributaries of the Allegheii\- 
River, and continued to work for several winters 
at logging, going down the rivers to the mouth 
of the Ohio with rafts in the spring. After leav- 



Samuel Washl>urn. a prominent pinnitr citi/en ing the rafts, he made his way northward through 
of Ashfield. She was a woman of intelligence Indiana and Michigan, working on farms along 
and refinement, and, like her hu.sband. an ardent the way as the season advanced, and put in sev- 



Haptisl. Many interesting incidents in the lives 
of these jKople may Ix.- found in the lUlis Geneal 
og>-. a vohime of four hundred and eighty-three 
jOTges, pid)lishe<l by Dr Iv R. Ivllis, of Detroit. 
Mich. 

William.secoudchildandeldest.sonof De.icon Da- 
vid I'Ulis, w.isJMirn in .\shfield March 2.S. t-jH-j. He 
marrie<l KluHla Mower, also a native of that town, 



eral autumns at cari>entcr work in Michigan. 
He acquired eighty acres of fine timber and 
prairie land in Cass County, Mich., which he 
subse<|uently traded ff)r jiroperty, including a 
team of horses and wagon, with which he made 
the trip from Peiuisylvania to Wisconsin in 1842. 
M this time, I. a Grange was i)eopled by about a 
dozen families, and those several miles off, even 



lH>ru SeptemlKT 27, 17H9. She was a daughter in adjoining townships, were cou.sidered iieigh- 
ofCapt. I.amnK^-k Flower, and granddaughter of bors. Mr. Kllis secured one hundred and twentv 



Maj. Lamroi-k l-'lower, prominent among the 
early settlers of .\shfield William l^Uis and 



acres, and at first made his home in a log cabin 
on the uorthea.st corner of section 2 1 . This was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



195 



replaced by a frame building in 1848, and in turn 
a larger and more pretentious dwelling was built 
on the same site. For several years the second 
structure served as a hotel, until the construction 
of a railroad six miles north diverted travel. The 
wayfarer was never turned away, and this home 
was alwaj-s con.sidered the home of any pa.ssing 
clergyman, whatever his creed. 

On the 15th of December, 1839, Mr. Ellis mar- 
ried Sarah Harris, who was born in Henderson, 
Jefferson County, N. Y., May 11, 1816. She was 
a daughter of Jeremiah and Priscilla (Cole) Har- 
ris, who settled in Springfield in 1824. The fa- 
ther and grandfather of Jeremiah Harris were 
named Anthony, the latter being born in Rich- 
mond, N. H., in 1736, of Welsh parentage. 
Priscilla Cole was a daughter of Barnabas Cole, 
who was born in Chatham, Mass., and is sup- 
posed to have been a descendant of Isaac Cole, 
who was born in Sandwich, County of Kent, 
England, and settled in Massachusetts in March, 
1634. Anthony Harris, Jr., was a brother of 
Lydia Ballon, wife of Rev. Maturin, and moth- 
er of Rev. Hosea Ballou, one of the pioneers 
of Universalism in New England. Mrs. Ellis 
died at her home in La Grange Jaimarj- 7, 1894, 
in her seventy-eighth year. 

While .she received but a limited education in 
the primitive schools of western Penn.sylvania, 
Mrs. Ellis was an eager reader, and secured a 
large fund of general information. She lived in 
a realm above petty gos.sip, and though her life 
was a somewhat narrow one, her mind was not. 
She never complained of her privations and dis- 
advantages, but patiently devoted herself to her 
home, her husband and her children. A daugh- 
ter and two sons — Mrs. John E. Menzie, James 
R. and Charles E. Elli.s — survive her, and revere 
her memorj- as that of a .sincere Christian, whose 
life is an inspiration to noble thoughts and the 
patient, faithful performance of every duty that 
may come before them. The following words, 
from the pen of one of her neighbors, appeared in 
a local journal; "Charitably disposed, of a med- 
itative nature, she was one of those persons who, 
if they have troubles, never trouble others with a 
recital of them, and of whom it may be truly .said 



the world is better for their having lived in it. 
She early discarded the doctrine of eternal punish- 
ment for the beautiful sentiment that 'The ways 
of men are narrow, but the gates of heaven are 
wide.' And as .she lived, she died. Quietly, 
among the lengthening shadows, and into the 
. purple twilight, she cro.s.sed the dark river to the 
friends on the other side, leaving to tho.se that 
follow the noble legacy of a long life well spent." 

Mr. Ellis was reared under strict Baptist teach- 
ings, and was often cautioned by his grand- 
mother, Sarah Washburn, against the dangers of 
Universalism, but from the age of thirty years 
he .steadfastly adhered to the latter faith. He was 
an active supporter of religious services, and for 
many years the only churches in La Grange were 
owned by the Methodists. It was partly through 
his influence and efforts that the church near his 
home, which was begun by the Methodist Prot- 
estant denomination, and remained for many 
years in a partially completed state, was jointly 
finished and dedicated by the Methodists and 
Universalists of the neighborhood, not as a union 
church, but free to all Christian denominations. 
From earl\- manhood he was an advocate of 
human liberty, and joined the Republican party 
at its inception. He was an active worker in its 
town and county councils nearly all his life, and 
often .served as a town officer. He never sought 
any higher po,sitions. He was Town Treasurer 
in 1844, and was four times .sub.sequently elected 
to that position. In 1845 he was elected Super- 
visor, and at different times filled that office for 
eight terms. He never signed a temperance 
pledge, but lived a most temperate life, advocat- 
ing that course because it was right, and not be- 
cause others did or urged it. This was his rule 
in everything, to do right from principle, and not 
through fear of punishment or hope of reward. 
He died at his home in La Grange, peacefully 
and calmly, on the 22d of January, 1881. The 
following testimonial to his character is taken 
from an obituary published in the Whitewater 
Register, from the pen of a prominent citizen of 
La Grange; 

"The writer of these lines has known the de- 
ceased for nearly thirt3--five years, and for the 



196 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



greiitiT iMjrtion ul that Itiiic \va> privileged l<> en- 
joy hi> friciidshii). Willi loving ri\ crtiitc for hi,-. 
mcmor>', he testifies to his manly virtues. He 
was a man of staink-»iliaratler. of strict intc^jrity 
niul s«>li<l worth In his s<xial relations, he was 
K^Miial ami pleasjint. I)einj5 i)os.sesse<l of tliat per- 
S4inal magnetism which wins friends, and of 
thioe fine <|u:»lities of heart which retain them. 
He was a kind iieiKhl)or and a gotxl citizen: a 
faitlifnl hnshand and indiilKent parent. He was 
a man who always t<M>k the ki-vnest interest in all 
cpii-stions affectinn the public gcxxl. and his opin- 



ions of men and measures were broad and liberal. 
In religious matters, he had clear and well-defined 
views. He l)elieved in the infinite love and com- 
pa.s,sion of God, in the universal brotlierhootl of 
mankind, and in the ultimate salvation uf all men. 
There was no doubt in his mind touching these 
thinjjs: hence, in the hour of death, he was 

'Sustained and soothed 
Hy an unfaUerin}^ trust, and ap])r()ache<l the j;rave 
Like one who wraj)s the draper\ of his couch 
.\bout him and lies down to plea.sant dreams.' 



\\1I.I.I.\.M KOl Si:. 



III.l.IAM ROrSH. a farmer of Walworth 
County, now owns and oix-rates two hnn- 
dre<l and forty acres of latul on sections 14 
and 2^, Geneva Township. This is a valuable 
tract, nn«ler a hinh state of cultivation and im- 
I>rove<l with all the t-oiivenieiiix-s and acxx-s.s<>ries 
of a mixlel farm. It has not only iK-en his home 
during his manlxHKl days, for here he was Iwrn 
and reare<l, his birth occurring; July 27. 1S42, 
I.itlle is known concerning the early history of 
the Kouse famil> , which was i)robably founded 
in America during early Colonial days. The 
>;randfather, .\ntliiin> Ronse. was a native of Xew 
York, and throughout life followe<l farming. Ik- 
was a minnteman in the War of iHij, and in 
i.SsJ emi^;rated to the Badger State. IcK-atinj; in 
Geneva Township. I-or a number of years he 
made his home with his son, and then went to 
live with one of his daughters. He i>a.s.se<l away 
in iH''5, in the ninety-first year of his a^e. 

Nehcminh Rouse, the father of our subject, 
was one of a lar^;e fainilv , and he, too, was born 
in the I-;mpiri- State, In early life he was a car 
|>enti-r and joiner, but afterward followed farm- 
in^;. .\t leiij.;th he deterniini-<l to seek a home in 
the West, and the year 1S40 witnesseti his emi- 
gration to the Territory of Wi.saMisin. Locating 



on the farm where our .subject now resides, he 
first purchased (me hundred and sixty acres of 
land, and afterward added to it a tract of eighty 
acres. He married Miss Maria Plate, a native of 
Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Henry Plate, 
who was born in Holland, and when a lad of ten 
years cros.sed the Atlantic to Philadelphia. By 
trade he was a hatter. A few years after the ar- 
rival of the Rou.se family in Wisconsin, lie also 
came to Walworth Count v, and lived in Geneva 
Townsliip until his death, which occurred at the 
age of eighty-two. To Mr. and Mrs. Rou.se were 
lM)ni twelve children, nine of whom reached adult 
age, namely; .\nthoiiy, now a resident of Re- 
iniblic, Iowa; Hannah, wife of E. B. Farnham, 
of Crestview, Tenn.: George, of Geneva Town 
ship; Lydia A., also of that township: William; 
.Amanda C, wife of William Wainsley, of Polo. 
111.; and J. Dewev, of Spring Green, Wis. The 
parents were both members (jf the Baptist Church 
and were highly respected citizens of the com- 
iiuinily. The father was called to his final rest 
June 27, 1.S74. at the age of .seventy-one, aiul his 
wife departed this life January 5, 1875. 

In taking up the iK-rsonal history of William 
Rouse, we present to our readers not only the life 
record of one of its native citizens, but also that 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



197 



of one of its most highly esteemed farmers. With 
the exception of two years he has .spent his entire 
life on the old homestead, of which his father be- 
came owner on emigrating to America. He was 
reared in the u.sual manner of farmer lads, and 
throughout his entire life has carried on agricul- 
tural pursuits. 

On the 29th of November, 1883, Mr. Rouse was 
united in marriage with Miss Ella G. Crist, daugh- 
ter of George and Betsy Ann (Sullen) Crist. 
Three children grace their union, Anna, Ruth M. 
and Leland C. The parents are botli members of 
the We.sleyan Methodi.st Church, and Mr. Rou.se 



is now serving as Class-leader. His temperance 
principles have led him to espouse the cause of 
the Prohibition party, which he now supports by 
his ballot. For two terms he has .served as Su- 
pervisor, discharging his duties with the same 
promptne.ss and fidelity that characterize the ful- 
fillment of every tru.st reposed in him. He has 
lived in Walworth County since territorial days, 
and is a worthy representative of an honored pio- 
neer family, and as one of the early settlers of the 
conunimity he well de.serves representation in this 
volume. 



JOHN S. McDOUGALL. 



(John S. McDOUGALL, who carries on gen- 
I eral farming on section 23, Delavan Township, 
Q) there owns and operates one hundred and six- 
ty acres of valuable land, all of which is under a 
high state of cultivation. The fields are well tilled, 
and yield the owner a golden tribute in return for 
the care and labor he bestows upon them. All the 
improvements of a model farm are there found, 
and the home is a beautiful and commodious resi- 
dence. 

The owner of this desirable property was born in 
Duanesburg, Schenectady County, N. Y., Novem- 
ber 9, 1827, and is a son of Ralph McDougall, a 
native of the same town. His mother, who bore 
the name of Abigail Armstrong, was also born in 
Duanesburg. In their family were ten children: 
Hannah and Hugh, both deceased; Mary Ann, de- 
cea,sed,wife of Joseph Rector; Sarah, deceased, wife 
of Alexander Van Pelt; Benjamin, who is residing 
in Binghampton, N. Y. ; Alexander, who makes 
his home in the same place; Louisa, who is living at 
the old home; Ralph, who resides on the old home- 
stead; John S. of this sketch; and Margaret, who 
died in childhood. 

Our subject spent his early childhood in an un- 
eventful way, and in the common schools acquired 



his education. On attaining his majority he be- 
gan earning his livelihood, and has since been de- 
pendent on his own resources, so that whate\er 
success he has achieved is due entirely to his own 
efforts. The year 1852 witnessed his arrival in 
Walworth County, Wis. As he had no money, he 
worked at whatever he could find to do. He chop- 
ped cordwood at fifty cents per cord, boarding 
himself, and worked as a farm hand at $10 and $12 
per month, which at that time was considered good 
wages. He has experienced the hardships and dif- 
ficulties of life on the frontier, and has witnessed 
almo.st the entire growth and development of this 
county. 

On the 27th of June, 1854, Mr. McDougall was 
united in marriage with Miss Sarah Jane Rector, 
daughter of George S. and Martha (Campbell) 
Rector. In their family were eleven children, all 
of whom are yet living, four residing in Illinois, 
four in Dakota, two in Wisconsin, andoneiuMin- 
ne.sota. Mr. and Mrs. McDougall began their do- 
mestic life upon a farm in Walworth Township, 
where the}- resided until 1 86 1 , since which time 
they have made their home upon the farm which 
is yet their place of abode. Their home has been 
blessed by the presence of four children. Ida. the 



198 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



cUlest. is ii»)\v Uic wifi- of IClintr \Vo<xlforii, and re- i>olitician in the sense of office-seeking, he has been 
siilcs in Dakota; Frances, an unusnally bright and called upon to ser\e in diflferent positions, wasSu- 



laautifnl chilli, died of diplithcria in 1X65, and was 
lmric<l in Mast Dtlavan Cemetery. Matie is the 
wife of Anton Christiansen, of I^ike Geneva, Wis. ; 
R.alph niarrie<l Miss Annie Powers, and makes his 
home in Chicago. There is als<i one grandchild, 
John C, the son of Mr. and Mrs. WiKnlford. 

Mr. Mcpougall exercises his right of franchise in 
snpjx>rt of the Rejuiblican parly, ami is a stalwart 
advocate of its principles. .Mtliongh he is not a 



jK-rvisor of his township for twelve years, held the 
office ol .School Dirt-ctor for fifteen years, and is 
President of the Ka.st Delavan Cemetery A.ssocia- 
tion. He holds memlx;rship with the Kpiscopal 
Church, and with Olive Branch Lodge. I. O. O. P., 
of Delavan. During his long residence in the 
county he has become widely known, and is a 
highly res])ected citizen. 



IIUN. WILLIAM A\ I:R\ COCHRAN. 



HUN. WII.I.IAM AVI'kY COCHRAN, who 
is now living a retired life in Delavan, en- 
joying a well-eanied rest, was l)orn in Chau- 
tauqua County, X. Y., on the 8th of January. 
i«42, and is one of a family often children whose 
parents were William and Laura (Kairchilds) 
CcK-hran. The i)atenial grandfather. Alexander 
Cochran, was born in the North of Ireland and 
was of Scotch-Iri.sh extraction. He came to 
America alxjut the Ix-ginning of the nineteenth 
cenlurA', locating in Chautauqua County, N. Y., 
where he engaged in fanning. His home was 
the first frame house in that county. He reared 
a family of thirteen children, and died at the ad- 
vancc<l age of ninety years. In his habits he was 
regular and meth(xlical, never used licpior or to- 
bai-co in any form, and in religions l)elief was a 
strict Presbyterian. The maternal grandfather 
of our subject, Lucian P'airchilds, was a native of 
Connecticut, but '>\k-\\\. the greater part of his life 
in New York. He was a soldier in the War of 
1812, and received a bullet through the crown of 
his hat, thus barely escaping death. l'"or many 
years he was engaged in liotel-keei>iiig in New 
York. The family to which he iK-longed was of 
lMi>;lish lineage. 

William CiK-hran, father of our subject, was a 



farmer and stock-rai.ser. and in the spring of 1854 
emigrated westward, locating in Heloit, where he 
purchased a farm of three hundred and twenty 
acres, devoting his attention to its improvement 
aiitl cultivation until the autumn of 1867, when 
he removed to Winona, Minn. There he en- 
gaged in farming for a number of years, after 
which he went to Parker's Landing, where he 
was engaged in bu.sine.ss as a dealer in oil until 
failing health and advanced years caused him to 
retire. Coming to Delavan, he made his home 
with his .son William until his death, which oc- 
curred in 188H, at the age of eighty-three years. 
His first wife had pa.s.sed away many years previ- 
ous, and he had married Miss Carrie Doolittle, 
who is now living in We.stfield, N. Y. For sev- 
eral years he ser\-ed as Treasurer of the town of 
Heloit. The parents of our .subject were both 
inemlx-rs of the Presbyterian Church, and the fa- 
ther ser\-etl as a Ruling Hlder. Of their family 
of seven sons and two daughters, seven are yet 
living: Harriet, wife of R. P. Hutchins, of To- 
ledo, Ohio; David A., of Canton, Ohio; William 
A., of this sketch; Sheldon, who makes his home 
in Hrownsville, Neb.; Andrew, of Dayton, Ohio; 
Alicx-, who is teaching in the public schools of 
Toledo, Ohio; mikI John, who resides in Hutch- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



199 



inson, Kan. Henry, the eldest brother, died in 
Beloit, Wis. Martin Luther was killed at the 
battle of Gainesville in the late war; and Sarah, 
the eldest sister, died at the age of seventeen. 

Mr. Cochran who.se name heads this record 
spent the finst twelve ^ears of his life in Chau- 
tauqua County, N. Y., and then removed to Be- 
loit, Wis. , with his parents, living in that local- 
ity until 1867, in which year he was graduated 
from Beloit College. During the war he serv^ed 
for a .short time in Company B, Fortieth Wis- 
consin Infantry, and on his return home resumed 
his college course. He then began teaching 
.school, and successfully followed that profession 
until July, 1892. He is well fitted to be a leader, 
and proved a most competent instructor, winning 
almost universal commendation wherever em- 
ployed. In September, 1867, he came to Dela- 
van, where he remained three years, after which 
he spent five years in Flint, Mich. On the ex- 
piration of that period he returned to Delavan, 
where he has since made his home. For twenty- 
one years he had charge of the high class in the 
Wisconsin School for the Deaf, and his fidelit)' to 
dut}' was attested by his long-continued service. 

On the nth of July, 1870, Mr. Cochran was 



united in marriage with Miss Mary Sturtevant, 
daughter of Zebine and Jane (Storey) Sturtevant, 
natives of New York. Two children have been 
born to them, William and Ruth Alice. The 
parents are both members of the Congregational 
Church, in which Mr. Cochran is now serving as 
Deacon, and is a member of the Board of Trus- 
tees. 

Socially, Mr. Cochran is a member of George 
H. Thomas Pest No. 6, G. A. R. In poHtics, 
he is a stalwart advocate of Republican princi- 
ples. He has been a member of the Village 
Board a number of times, and also of the School 
Board for many years, discharging his duties with 
promptness and fidelity. He is now representing 
his district in the State Legislature, and is an 
able member of the House. He was chosen Presi- 
dent of the Village Board in May, 1894. He owns 
one hundred and sixty acres of land in Florida, 
besides his pleasant home in Delavan. A man 
of more than average intelligence and abilitj-, he 
has won a position of prominence in educational 
and political circles, ancf wherever he is known 
the manj' excellenciesof his character have gained 
him high regard. 



THEODORE A. FELLOWS. 



'HEODORE A. FELLOWS, one of the hon- 
ored veterans of the late war, now devotes his 
time and attention to general farming on sec- 
tion 35, Bloomfield Township. This is the old 
family homestead where his father located more 
than half a centurj' ago, when the county was new 
and when Wisconsin was still a territory. Theo- 
dore was only three years of age when the family 
located upon the fann. He was born in Kalama- 
zoo County, Mich., on the 12th of May, 1836, 
and under the parental roof the days of his boy- 
hood and youth were passed, no event of special 
importanceoccurringduring that period. In 1856 



he left home and went to Minnesota, returning in 
the autunni of 1858. In i860 he made a trip to 
Colorado, spending six months in the West. On 
the expiration of that period we again find him in 
Walworth County, where he remained until after 
the breaking out of the late war. 

In 1861 Mr. Fellows responded to the country's 
call for troops and joined the boys in blue of Com- 
pany K, Eighth W'isconsin Infantry, with which 
he served for four years. He enlisted as a private, 
was made Orderly-Sergeant, and afterwards pro- 
moted step by step to the captaincy of his compa- 
nv. He was wounded at the battle of Corinth, Oc- 



200 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



IoIkt 3. r862, and again at Nashville. Deceniber 
15, 1864. Hetwkpart inthesieKcof Vicksburg. 
the Rwl River txjK.-<lition, under Gen. Banks, 
and all«Kellier\vasin forty two battles and skinn- 
i>lies. When the war was over a:ul the Stars and 
StripeM>nce more floated over an unbroken I'nion. 
he was honorably diseharged Ircm the- stniie 
SejUemU-r 16, 1865. 

Mr. 1-ellows later went to Iowa, lotaliuK ni 
Des Moines, where he engajieil in the grocery 
lra<le, and later carrieil on business as a dealer in 
farm implements. He s^k-uI three and a-half years 
in that city, and then went to Kan.sas, where, in 
jKirtnership with his brother Gilmore, he bought 
a thousand acres of land and embarked in stock- 
dealing, which he continued until 1X79, when he 
went to Colorado. There he engaged in mining. 



si^ending .seven years in that state. On the ex- 
piration of that period he came to Walworth Coun- 
ty, and has since made his home on the old fann. 
On the 3d of Octolxjr, 1856, Mr. Fellows mar- 
ried Miss Jane A. Monear, daughter of William 
and Marsha (Christian) Monear. who were natives 
of the Isle of Man. Mrs. Fellows isa mendjcrof the 
Congregational Church, and possesses excellent 
<iualities, which have gained her many friends. 
Mr. Fellows is a niend)er of the Masonic fraterni- 
ty, and of McPherson Post No. 26, G. A. K. In 
politics he is inde])endent. He po.s.sesses good bus- 
inc-is ability, is enterprising and progres.sive, and 
in days of peace he manifests the .same loyalty to 
his country that he did when he wore the blue and 
carried the musket in defense of the I'nion. 



lUTMn- Al'CiUSTUS WILLIAMS. 



NKXRV AIGUSTUS WILLIAMS, one of 
the early settlers of Walworth County, who 
now follows farming on s<.-clion 12, tieneva 
Townsliip, was txirn in Daricn Township, Genesee 
County, N. Y., on the 14th of June, 1839, and is 
of Welsh descent. His grandfather. Thoq) Will- 
iams, was l)orn in Wales, and on emigrating to 
America locatetl in Genesee County, N. V., 
where he followed farming. He reared a family 
of three sons and six daughters, and died at the 
ripe old age of eighty years. The maternal 
grandfather, Dan Phelps, was iMirn in fienesee 
County, N. V., and also followed agricultural 
pursuits throughout his entire life. His last days 
were !^ient in Geneva Township, Walworth 
County, where he pa.s.sed away at the age of four- 
.sc«»re years. The parents of our subject, David 
and Adelia 1 I'helps) Williams, were both natives 
of Genesee County, N. V. The former is a 
fanner, but during the greater part of his life has 
alvi servetl as Justice of the Peace and Notary 
Public, doing considerable business along those 



lines. He and his wife now live in Darien Towu- 
shi]). They had three children: Henry A.; 
Jerome, decea.sed; and Betsy Claris.sa, of Darien. 
When a lad of .seven summers our subject came 
with his parents to the West, and was reared and 
educated in Walworth Countv. On the 3d of 
June, 1863, he was united in marriage with .Mi.ss 
Agnes, daughter of Isaac and Harriet ( Peeler) 
Lytle, the fonncr a native of New York, and the 
latter of \'erniont. To Mr. and Mrs. Williams 
were born ten children. Luella May is now the 
wife of Samuel Fairchild, of Marceline, Mo., by 
whom .she has two children, Howard Nelson and 
Leland Lytle: Jennie Adelia is the wife of Fred 
Olp, of Lyons Township, and they have one 
daughter, Aileen Maud; Nellie Harriet died in 
her twenty-.seventh year; Gertrude Agnes is the 
wife of Harry Banker, of Spring Prairie Town- 
ship, and they have one son. Lisle; David Tur- 
ner, Mark Henry, Maud Anna, Charles Thorp, 
Setli Jerome and Ralph Berthold are .still with 
their parents. Mrs. Williams was born in Flack- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



20 1 



ville, St. Lawrence County, N. Y., September 8, 
1 840. Her father was a farmer, and died in the 
Empire State. Her mother was finst married to 
Jonas Waffle, and to them were born six children: 
Leander, Delilah, Alsiemena, Sophia, Harriet 
and Jonas. Leander and Jonas are now decea.sed. 
The former served throughont the late Civil War. 
For her third husband, Mrs. Lytle married 
Stephen C. Chappel, and they became the parents 
of three children: Sedata Jane, Turner Howard 
and Stephen Dallas. Mrs. Chappel was a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Epi.scopal Church, and died 
at the advanced age of eighty-one years. The 
Lytle family was of Irish origin. 

In 1866, Mr. Williams removed to Jack.son, 
Jackson County, Minn., where he secured a 
homestead and pre-empted two hundred and 



eighteen acres of land,- which he improved and 
cultivated, living upon it for thirteen years. On 
the expiration of that period he returned with his 
family to Walworth County, and located upon 
his father's farm of one hundred and si.xty acres. 
While in Minnesota, he served as Township As- 
.ses.sor and Treasurer, and for several terms was 
Supervisor. He has twice been Supen-isor in 
this community, and for many years he .served as 
School Director. His wife is a member of the re- 
organized Church of Je.sus Christ of the Latter- 
Day Saints. Mr. Williams is a member of the 
Masonic and Modern Woodmen fraternities, and 
exerci.ses his right of franchise in .support of the 
Republican party. His life has been well and 
worthily pas.sed, and the best interests of the com- 
nnlnit^• have ever found in him a friend. 



N. O. FRANCISCO. 



Uj O. FRANCISCO, the .senior member of the 
\ j firm of Fishman & Francisco, wagon and 
\l^ carriage makers and blacksmiths of Delavan, 
has been engaged in his present line of business 
here .since 1869, and has worked up an excellent 
trade. He is regarded as one of the leading 
business men of the town, and it is therefore with 
pleasure that we present to our readers this record 
of his life. He is a native of the Empire State, 
having been born in Augusta, Oneida County, 
N. Y., October 16, 1S40. His parents, Henry 
and Emily (Horton) Franci.sco, were also natives 
of New York. The Francisco family is of Span- 
ish descent. The grandfather, Michael Fran- 
cisco, was a New York farmer. He lived to an 
advanced age, and reared a family of eight chil- 
dren, four .sons and four daughters, among them 
being Henr)', father of our subject. Having 
arrived at mature years, he married Mi.ss Horton, 
daughter of Erastns Horton, a native of New 
Hampshire, who lived for some years in New 
York, and then came to Wisconsin, about 1842. 



He took quite a prominent part in political affairs, 
and was a leader of the Whig party until the 
organization of the Republican party, when he 
became prominent in its ranks in thiscomnuuiity. 
In pursuit of fortune, he followed farming. His 
death occurred when more than eighty years of 
age. 

It was in April, 1844, that Henry Franci.sco 
arrived with his family in Wisconsin. He located 
first in the town of Oakland, Jefferson County, 
where he entered eightj- acres of land from the 
Government. His death occurred in Lake Mills, 
Wis., in 1865. His wife is still living arid makes 
her home in Motley, Miini. She is a member of 
the Methodi.st Episcopal Church. To this worthy 
couple were born seven sons and a daughter, and 
all are yet living, namel}': Philena, wife of George 
Willett, of Motley, Minn.; Alonzo, also of Mot- 
ley; Newton O. ; John J., who makes his home in 
Motley; Charles Francis, of San Diego, Cal.; 
Horton Erastus, of Mason City, Iowa; and Dan- 
ford Ezra and Manley Clayton, both of Motley. 



303 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



NO. Fraiicisct) was alMUt four years oUI when 
his iwrents came to Wisconsin, and upon a 
farm in Ji-fTerson Countv the days of liis cliild- 
ho«Kl and youth were pas^etl. He reniaiiietl at 
home until seventeen years of age, but not wish- 
ing to follow fanning through life, he tlien left 
the jiarental nnif and iKgaii learning the wagon 
and carriage making trade at Ft. Atkinson. He 
•lid journeyman work for a number of years, and 
in 1.S61 came to Delavan, where he has since 
made his home. lught years later he forine<l a 
partnership with J. Walton and engaged in the 
manufacture and sale of carriages. Sul)si.-<|uently 
he cn>barke<l in business alone, and had no part- 
ner for .several years, but at length formed a con- 
nection with J. F. Fishman, under the firm style 
of Fishman & Francisco. They are experts along 
their line, and in consc(|uence enjoy a large trade. 
which is well meritetl. 

On the 20th of February, 1862. Mr. Francisco 
led to the marriage altar Mi.ss Marcella Gove, 
daughter of Dana and Alice 1 Maltby ) Gove, who 
were natives of W-nnont. One daughter has 



Ijeen born to them, Marj" Alice. Mr. Francisco 
is a niemlier of the Congregational Church, and 
the family is one of prominence in the commun- 
ity, iK-cupying a leading position in social 
circles. 

In his political views, Mr. Franci.sco is a Re- 
publican, and has served as a member of the 
X'illage Board. Succe.ss has attended his efforts, 
and he has now a gof)d home property besides his 
i)usiiiess interests in I)ela\an. In 1H93. the firm 
o{ Fishman & Francisco built a fine oi:>era- hou.se 
in Delavan, one of the lie.st to be found in the 
country in a placeof this size. It is furnished with 
oi>era chairs, and has a seating capacity of about 
six hundred persons. The citizens of Delavan, 
as well as the proprietors, are justly proud of 
this building. Mr. Franci.sco is recognized as a 
substantial business man and as a public-spirited 
and progressive citizen, who aids in the develop- 
ment of the place by Inking alive to its needs and 
to those interests which will aid in ]in)ninting its 
welfare. 



SILAS \'. l^ARLOW, 



mil.AS V. HARLOW, who is engaged in the 
^\ livery business in Delavan, claims New York 
VlJ/ •'•^ ''•<•* J^tate of his nativity, liis birth lia\'ing 
(nTurred in OrangeiKirt. N. V., January y, 18.^5. 
His parents were Samuel W. and Alniira ( Wright ) 
Barlow. The former was bom in New York, as 
was his father. His grandfather was a native of 
lingland, and with two brothers emigrated to 
America, liK-ating in Chautauqua County, N. Y., 
where his la.st ilays were siK-nt. The grandfather 
of our subji-ct was a .soldier of the War of 1812, and 
as a means of livelihood he followed farming. His 
death (Kvnrred at alMiut the age of eighty years. 
Samuel W. Harlow, who was one of a family of 
four .sons and one daughter, grew to manhood in 
his native State, and there learned thf trade of 



a carpenter and joiner. He also became a Wes- 
leyan Metluxlist preacher. Having attained to 
mature years, he niarrie<l Alniira Wright, daugh- 
ter of William Wright, who was a descendant of 
the cxlebrated vSilas Wright. For many years he 
engaged in hotel-keeping and was very successful 
ill that line of bu.siness. About i860, he emigrated 
to the Badger State, i)urcliased a farm of eighty 
acres in Delavan Townshii), Walworth County, 
and ni.ade his home thereon until his death, which 
occurred at the age of eighty years. Mr. and 
Mrs. Barlow came to Wisconsin in 1846, and lo- 
cated a short di.stance to the south of Delavan 
Lake. The father first came across the country 
by team, and after securing a location brought his 
family to llie iRW lu line Ik- wus honored with 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



203 



a number of local offices, and was quite a promi- 
nent and influential citizen. Throughout his life 
he engaged in the work of the ministrj-, and on 
the 24th of March, 1889, he was called to the 
home beyond, his death occurring at the age of 
eighty-seven years, one month and twenty-four 
days. His wife passed away nine years previously . 
This worthy couple were parents of five sons and 
two daughters: Ruth S. , wife of William S. Wood, 
of Kilbourn City, Wis.; Silas V.; Salinda, wife of 
Josiah Seldon, of Walworth, Wis. ; William W., of 
Cottonwood County, Minn.; Sanuiel W., of 
Greenleaf, Wis.; Josiah, who is living in Wind- 
ham, Minn.; and James L. 

In taking up the personal history of our subject 
we present to our readers the life record of one 
who is wideh' known in this community. He 
was a lad of twelve summers when with his par- 
ents he came to the West. His earlj- education 
was acquired in the public .schools of his native 
State. With farm work he soon became familiar, 
and to his father he gave the benefit of his services 
until twentj'-four years of age, when he began 
farming on his own account. He continued to 
carry on agricultural pursuits until the fall of 



1S73, when he came to Delavan, where for four 
years he made his home. In 1877, he returned 
to the farm, but in 1879 again came to Delavan, 
where he has since resided. 

A marriage ceremony performed Januarj- 31, 
1859, united the destinies of Mr. Barlow and Mi.ss 
Antoinette Goif, daughter of Stephen C. and Ma- 
tilda (Perce) Goff, who were natives of the Em- 
pire State. Two children were born of this union: 
Richard H., and one who died in infancy. Mrs. 
Barlow is a member of the Methodist Church. 
Mr. Barlow is a member of the Ma.sonic fraternity. 
In politics, he is an advocate of the Republican 
party and its principles, and for .several years 
ser\'ed as Township Supervisor. For some time 
he engaged in the livery business in Delavan, but 
in August, 1893, his large barn was destroyed by 
fire. For almost half a century Mr. Barlow has 
been a resident of this locality. He remembers 
well when the Indians were here, and can relate 
many intere.sting incidents of frontier life. He is 
a warm-hearted, pleasant, genial gentleman, pos- 
sessing many excellencies of character, and all who 
know him esteem him highly for his sterling 
worth. 



REV. JOSEPH COLLIE. 



REV. JOSEPH COLEIE, pastor of the Con- 
gregational Church of Delavan, has filled 
this position for fortj- j-ears, or during his 
entire connection with the ministr>\ Few preach- . 
ers of any denomination could tell of a more hon- 
orable record. He was born in Aberdeenshire, 
Scotland, on the 4th of November, 1824, and is a 
.son of George and Helen (Ross) Collie, who were 
natives of the same countrj'. Three .sons were 
born to them: George, James and Joseph. The 
fir.st-named is now living in Walworth Town.ship, 
but James is deceased. The father was a stone- 
mason by trade, and died in Scotland on the day 
on which our subject was born. His wife sur- 



vived him .several years. Both were members 
of the Presbyterian Church and were highly re- 
spected people. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject, George 
Collie, reached the advanced age of more than 
eighty years. The maternal grandparents both 
attained to a ripe old age, and the mother of our 
subject reached the age of more than fourscore 
years. With her family of three sons, she crossed 
the Atlantic in 1836, locating in Kane County, 
111., near Aurora. She afterward became the 
wife of Benjamin Jones, and thej' removed to 
Kendall County, 111,, settling on a farm at Squaw 
Grove, where the)- spent the greater part of the 



?<'4 



I'ORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



time until the death of Mrs. Joiie.s. For about 
four years, however, they resided in Grant Coun- 
ty, Wis., Mr. Jones Ixinn en^aKeil in lead mining. 
( )nr subjeil \va> a child of twelve summers w hen. 
with his mother, he came to America. With her 
he remaini-<l until the spring of 1844, and then 
started out in life for himself His early e<lui-ation 
was acquire<l in the district schools, held in a log 
i-.d>in, an<l later he attended an academy at Min- 
eral point. Wis., and one in Heloil. On the es- 
tablishment of the colletje at the latter place, he 
enteri-<l its cla.s.ses and pnrsui-*! the regular tour- 
M-ars course. Later he sjunl three years as a 
student in the Andover Theological .Seminary, 
from which institution he was graduate<l in the 
summer of 1.S54. On the i st of October of that 
year, he came to Dclavan. accepting a call from 
the church at this placx-. The love his congre- 



Martha Lockwood, Jcseph Arthur, Winnefred 
Ro.ss and Henry Glenwood. The second, how- 
ever, died in cliildh<KKl. 

In his iMjlitical views, the Ke\ . Mr. Collie was 
for many years a Republican, but is now a .suj)- 
|X)rter of the Prohibition party. He held the office 
of School Director, and was Town Superintendent 
for a few years during the existence of that office. 
He was Clerk of the Heloit Convention for many 
years, and for some years has l)een a Trustee of 
Heloit College. During the war he .served as a 
member of the Christian Commi.ssion, and labored 
among the sick and wounded in various hospitals 
of the South. He now owns some land at Lake 
(ieneva, where his sons have a summer resort 
known as Camj) Collie. He has witnes.sed much 
of the development of this country. He passed 
through Chicago in the summer of 1836, when it 



gation has for him, and their tru.st and high re- was a mere village, visited it after the great fire 



gard, are manifested by his long-continued serv- 
ice as their pastor. 

On the 4th of No\eml)er, 1856, Mr. Collie was 
united in marriage with Miss Aim Kliza Fmite, 
daughter of the Rev. Lucius Fcwte, who was pas- 
tor of the church at this place Kfore the arrival 
of our subject. Her mother bore the maiden 
name of I-'lecta Harwoml ami was a native of New 
York, while her father was lM>rn in Ma.ss;ichusetts. 
Mr. and Mrs. Collie Ijccame the parents of four 
.sons and a daughter, nain-b f,(i>r'.,'c Lucius, 



of 1871, and saw it in all its glory when the 
World's Columbian Exjx)sition was in progress. 
Of the life of Mr. Collie, it .seems that little need 
Ik.' said, for he is well known in this community. 
Closely following in the foot.steps of the Ma.ster, he 
has live<l .so that by example as well as precept 
he has taught his peoiile the way of life. Kind- 
hearted and true, he wins and retains the love of 
all, and Delavan has no more highly honore<l 
citizen. 



CII.MOKl- I). MALLOWS. 



gIL.MOkl-; 1). FKLLOWS. who successfully 
follows farming on section .^5. Bloonifield 
Townshij), is a native of Michigan, his birth 
having occurred in Kalamazoo County, on the ist 
ofOctol)er, i»34. His parents, Timothy H. and 
I'!li/a Ann ( Duncan ) I'ellows, ]>rominent |K-o])le 
of Walworth Comity, are represented elsewhere 
in this work. When Gilmore was a child of five 
years, he was brought by his i)arents to the coun- 



ty which has since been his home, and in the 
usual manner of farmer lads was reared to man- 
hood, aitling in the labors of the field through the 
summer months, while in the winter .season he 
attended the district .schools of the neighborhood. 
In December, 1S56, Mr. Fellows left home and 
was united in marriage with .Miss Helen A. 
Noyes. a daughter of Charles A. and Nancy P. 
( Warren) Noyes. One child, Gertrude, was born 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



205 



to them, but she is now deceased. Mrs. Fellows 
died ill 1876, in the faith of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, of which she was a consistent nieiii- 
ber. November 17, 1877, was celebrated the 
marriage of our subject and Miss Dora H. Farm- 
lee, daughter of Louis B. and Mar}- (Alexander) 
Parmlee. One child graces this union, Timothy 
Howard. 

After some time spent in Minnesota, Mr. Fel- 
lows returned to Walworth County, in 185S, and 
here remained until 1867, when he removed to 
Iowa. Two years later he went to Kansas, lo- 
cating in Labette County, where he and his 



brother Theodore bought a thousand acres of 
land. Gilmore then continued to look after their 
interests in the West until January, 1894, when 
he returned to this count}-. In Kan.sas he was 
engaged in stock-rai.sing and met with good .suc- 
cess. On his return he located on the old home- 
.stead, where with his father, wife and one child 
he now makes his home. In his political views 
he is a Populist. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fellows are 
members of the Congregational Church, and are 
numbered among the most highly respected citi- 
zens of the communit\-. 



PROF. ORISCA GILLETTE. 



QROF. ORISCA GILLETTE, who fortwenty- 
^^ five years has been engaged in teaching 
f^ music, and follows that profession in Lake 
Geneva, was born in \'ictor, N. Y., on the ,^oth 
of December, 1841, and is a .son of Charles L. and 
Eliza A. (Haiina) Gillette, both of whom were 
natives of the Empire State. He comes from an 
early New England family, that was probably 
founded in America during Colonial days. His 
grandfather, Zaccheus P. Gillette, was a native 
of Connecticut, and throughout his life followed 
farming. He served as a drummer during the 
War of 18 1 2, and his grandson now lias the dis- 
charge papers that were given him by his com- 
manding officer. In 1852 he came to Wiscoii.sin, 
and his last days were spent in Geneva Township, 
where his death occurred August 9, 1861, at the 
age of eighty-four years, for he was born on the 
1st of December, in the historic year of 1776. 

Charles L. Gillette, father of the Professor, was 
a farmer and school teacher, and on emigrating to 
the Badger State in the spring of 1842, took up 
his residence in Springfield, Wis., where he en- 
tered from the Government eighty acres of land. 
This he improved, and to it added until he had 
one hundred and fourteen acres at the time of his 



death, which occurred in 1857, at the age of fifty- 
two years. His wife is still living, at the age of 
eighty. vSlie was married the second time, in No- 
vember, 1 86 1, to Deacon Dan Warner, with whom 
she lived twenty years in Cornwall, \'t. After his 
death in 1881 .she came to the old homestead to 
live with her son. She is a member of the Con- 
gregational Church. Mr. Gillette belonged to the 
Methodist Epi.scopal Church, and took a promi- 
nent part in public affairs, having aided in the or- 
ganization of the township, and served as Town- 
.ship Superintendent of Schools, and as Town f^u- 
per\-isor. In the family were four children, but only 
two are now living, the brother of our subject be- 
ing Almerin, a lawyer of Kansas City, Mo. 

Prof Gillette is one of Lake Geneva's promi- 
nent and highly respected citizens, and it is with 
pleasure that we present to our readers this record 
of his life. He was onh- about five months old 
when brought by his parents to Walworth County, 
and upon the old homestead farm he was reared, 
there remaining until about twenty years of age, 
when he started out in life for him.self He had 
acquired a good literary education in the common 
.schools, and now devoted his time to the study of 
music, fitting himself for his life work. During 



2o6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



the i>a>l t\viiit\ live \ i-:irs lii: has been successfully 
ciiKagc<l in teaching that art. ^i^ '"K Ifssons on 
the flute, violin, and other instnimiiits. He is 
als<» a teacher of vcx-al music, and holds musical 
ct>nveuli«>ns at various places. 

On the 17th of March, 1867, Mr. Gillette wed- 
de<l Mixs Mary Jane, daughter of Philip B. and 
l\leanor (Hall) Wanier, natives of Vennont. 
Mrs. Gillette aids her hu.shand in his work, hav- 
ing also taught many years. For twenty years she 
has Ik-vu the leading soprano in this section of 
«)uutr>-, and for ei>;ht years has lx;en organist in 
the CouKTegational Church. Our .subject and 



his wife are members of the Congregational 
Church, in which he ser\'es as chorister. About 
seven years ago they came to Lake Geneva, where 
they have since made their home, having here a 
jika.saiit residence. Mr. Gillette also owns the 
old homestead. In politics he is a Republican, 
and in .social relations is a Royal Arch Mason. 
For more than half a century he has been a resi- 
dent of Walworth County, and, reared amid the 
wild .scenes of the frontier, he has witnessed the 
development and advancement of the community, 
and feels a just pride in the fact that his adopted 
county has won a foremo.st place in the State. 



M. E. w i:tkr. 



^y l\. WlvTI'lk, who carries on general farm- 
Y ing and sttK-k-raising on section 33, Linn 
(9 Township, was )«iru on the 14th of Janu- 
ar>', 1837, in the town of Floyd, Oneida County, 
N. Y. His father, NL P. VVeter, was Ixirn in 
Rensselaer Comity. N. V., November 27, i.Sii. 
and was one of eight children that ci)mi»rised the 
family of Richard and Sarah ( Mott) Weter. The 
grandfather of our subject was a native of Ger- 
many. au<l when a young man came to the 
United States. S<x)n after he joined the Revolu- 
tionary army, and ser\wl as waiter for Maj. 
Rabley. His father and three brothers also 
aided the Colonies in their struggle for inde|)end- 
ence, and the father an<l brothers of Mrs. Weter 
were also Revolutionary heroes. Wiien the war 
was over, Richard Weter worked at his trade of 
tailoring for some time, but during his last years 
was engage<l in hotel kee])iiig in Oneida Countw 
N. Y. 

.M. P. Weter sjiciit llie lir.>,l si.\ years of liis 
life in the countv of his nativity, and tlien went 
with his parents to Oneida County, N. Y.. where 
he lived for thirty years, his time and attention 
being giveti to agriculttiral pursuits. He was 
marricfi in Columbia County, in 18^6, U> Jane 



Palmer, a native of that count\ , and a daugiiler 
of Kljer and Polly (Durham) Palmer, both of 
whom were born in the Ivmjiire State, and died 
in Flmira, X. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Weter became 
tlie ])arents of four children, but Richard died in 
(.liildhood: and ^L'lry, who became the wife of 
David Mickle. died at the age of thirty-five. 
Those living are: M. E., of this sketch: and Dr. 
J. P., a denti.st of De Pere. Hrown County. Wis. 
The father of this family came to the West in 
1846, and located ujtou a farm in Linn Town- 
shi]), Walworth County, where he made his 
home for many years, devoting his time and at- 
tention to agricultural pursuits. About 1883 he 
removed to Sharon, where he has since resided. 
Although eighty-three years of age he .still works 
on his farm, for he is a well-preserved man and 
pos.ses.ses the vigor of many who.se years are mucli 
less. 

The subject of this sketch has resided in Wal- 
worth Comity for fort\-eight years, having come 
to the West when a boy of nine summers. He 
was educated in the public schools, and early in 
life became familiar with farm work in all its de- 
l>artinents. In 1S59, when twenty-tw() years of 
age, he was joined in marriage with Miss Cor- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



207 



delia Mickle, a native of New York, and a daugh- 
ter of John and Polly (Nutt) Mickle, both of 
whom are now deceased. Unto our .subject and 
his wife have been born six children: Emma, now 
the wife of Howard Cornue, of Alden, 111.; Da- 
vid, who is engaged in farming in Hebron, 111.: 
Eva, wife of Edgar Ledger, of Linn Township; 
Albert and Palmer, who aid in carrying on the 
home farm; and Alice, who completes the family. 
Mr. Weter does quite an exten.sive dairj- busi- 
ness, keeping on hand about forty milch cows. 
He has about twentv other cows of a differ- 



ent grade, and is engaged in breeding Guernsey 
cattle. He also ships about fifty hogs to market 
annually. In the spring of 1893 he aided in or- 
ganizing the Spring Creek Creamery. He is one 
of the progressive and thrifty farmers of Wal- 
worth County, and by good business abilitj- and 
well-directed efforts has won a comfortable com- 
petency. In politics, he is a stalwart supporter 
of the Republican party and always keeps well 
informed on the issues of the day. During his 
long residence in this community he has become 
widely known, and is highly respected by all. 



EDWARD CULLEN. 



~ DWARD CULLEN, who carries on agricul- 
^ tural pursuits on .section 16, Linn Town- 
^ ship, is one of the worthy citizens that the 
Emerald Isle has furnished to Walworth County. 
With his father, Patrick Cullen, he cro.s.sed the 
Atlantic in 1846, locating first in Canada, but af- 
ter a short time they came to Wiscon.sin, and the 
father worked at his trade of blacksmithing in 
Walworth and Geneva for about two years. In 
1849 he purcha.sed the farm now owned by his 
son, comprising one hundred and sixt)'-two and 
a-half acres on section 16, Linn Township. It 
was then in its primitive condition, not a furrow 
having been turned, or an improvement made 
upon it. He bought it at the school valuation of 
$4.50 and $6.00 per acre, and spent the remainder 
of his life in developing it, and in doing black- 
smith work. He built and operated the first 
blacksmith shop in Walworth Count}-, and was 
Justice of the Peace of Linn Township for some 
years. He died July 4, 1864, at the age of 
seventy-three years. His wife, who bore the 
maiden name of Elizabeth Cavanaugh, died when 
her son Edward was a small child. He was the 
eldest of six children, the others being John, a 
prosperous black.smith, who is living in Harvard, 
111.; Philip, who died in San Francisco, July 13, 



1889; Mary, widow of Orson Johnson, of Delavan, 
living with her son Harr}-, who is City Treasurer; 
Ann, widowof Arthur Kaye, the founder of Kaye's 
Park; and Martin, the youngest, who joined the 
United States army, Company B, Twentj'-second 
Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, September 15, 
1862, and died in the service January- 13, 1863. 

In his early life, Edward Cullen worked at 
blacksmithing in a foundry at West Point, N. Y., 
for about six years, and on the expiration of that 
period came to Wisconsin, in 1851. He then 
worked on a farm in Linn Township with his fa- 
ther for about two 3'ears, after which he returned 
to the East, and was emploj'ed in the Franklin 
Forge, of New York City, and in the great Mor- 
gan Iron Works. In December, 1852, he went 
by way of the water route, on the steamer "Sierra 
Nevada," to San Francisco, going by wa\' of Cape 
Horn, the journey occupying three and a-half 
months. In San Francisco he followed black- 
smithing for two years, and then engaged in min- 
ing and speculating, in which he was prosperous, 
for nine years. He made his home in San Francisco 
until May, 1863, when he returned to Wisconsin, 
and has since lived upon a farm in Linn Town- 
ship. On November 12, 1863, he was drafted 
for the United States service, but paid the sum of 



308 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



$300 for a substitute, while he himself remained 
at home, the sole support of an aged father. 

.■\ ntarriagc ceremony perfoniic<I May .^. 1864. 
united the di-stinies of .\Ir. Culltii ami Miss Kii/a- 
Ix'th Kelley. a native of I.yons Township, bom 
Januar>- 17. iS4.^. daughter of James and Jane 
(Culetoni Kelley. natives of County Carlnw. Ire- 
land. In thiir family were three children, her 
brothers Uinx Andrew C. and John T. . all tK)rn 
in Lyons. Walworth County. The father dit-d Xn- 
vi-mlier^. 1.S.S4. atthe.ij^eof siventythree, but his 
widow still sunives him. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Cullen have lieen Iwni five children, who are yet 
living: Laura A., at home; Frank J., now of 
ChicaKo; and George Philip, Walter Herbert and 
Harold Kdward, who are still tnidcr the jiarenlal 
r«H>f 

Mr. Cullen has .siK-nt the pa.st thirty years of 
his life in cultivating and improving his fann. 
which comprises one hundred and .sixty-two acres 



of valuable land. He also keeps about thirty 
cows for dairy purpo.ses, and as he and his family 
arc all ardent admirers of horses, he always has 
in his stables several fine bloode<l animals. His 
daughter. Miss Laura, is recognized as one of the 
l)esl horsewomen of Walworth County: she also 
e.xcels as a musician. Their home is a fine resi- 
dence, which was erected in 1876, and is situated 
u]K)n the brow of a hill, overlooking the far-famed 
Geneva Lake. There can also Ik- i>l)taiiie<l an 
unsurpassed view of the city of Lake Geneva, the 
water tower, and the many imposing residences 
which stand on the banks of the lake. They own 
an elegant .sail-lxKit. which was built and is sailed 
by Frank J. Cullen, and is one of the fine pleasure 
crafts ui)on the water. Their beautiful home is 
situated in the midst of ta.stefuUy laid-out 
grounds, and is one of the fine places of this 
region, noted for its lovel> homes. 



.l.\.Mi:S W .MIMJS. 



HAMI-.S W. MII.LIS, a barUrof Lake Geneva. 
I was lK>rn in Norwalk, Huron County, ( )hio. 
Q) March K., 1854. and is a son (jf William .\. 
and Samantha L. (Rice) Millis, Ix.th of whom 
were natives of \e\v York In their family were 
only two children: James W., ;uid Frank, who is 
now a j)ainter of Waukesha, Wis. The father of 
our subject was a carriage-painter by trade, and 
<luriiig the late war, as one of the Iwys in blue, he 
aidc<l in the defense of the Union. His death oc- 
curred in the .Soldiers' Home iiKSandusky, Oliio, 
but hi-, wife is still living. The .Millis family is 
of Gennan origin, and was founded in America 
l)y the grandfather of our subject, who cros.se(l 
the .\llanlic and spent his Inst days in Ohio. The 
maternal grandfather, John Rice, was an Ohio 
farmer, and died in Xorwalk. that .State, 

The gentleman wiio.se- name heads this record 
remaine<l in the Huckeye State until nineteen 
years of .ige, making his home with his parents. 



When a youth of fifteen he l)cgan to earn hi-, own 
liveliluKxl, working at the painter's trade, which 
he followed for alxiut fifteen years. On the ex- 
piration of that [K-riod he learned the l)arl>er's 
trade, and has since carried on operations along 
that line. He has now made his home in Lake 
(ieneva for about .seventeen years, and .since 18.S4 
has iK-en proprietor of a .shoj). 

On the 25th of January, 1.880, .Mr. .Millis was 
united in marriage with Miss Annie K. Maloy, 
and their union has been bles.sed by two children, 
l)<)th daughters, Myrtie and Mabel. They are 
highly respected citizens of this community and 
have man\ warm friends. 

.Mr. Millis takes an interest in civic societies, 
and holds meml)ership with the Odd Fellows and 
Knights of Pythias fraternities. He exercises his 
right of franchi.se in support of the Republican 
party, but has never sought or desired public of- 
fice, preferring to give his entire time and attention 




1!iii:\i;zi:k Davii son 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



211 



to his business interests, in which he has met with 
good success. He now has a fine barber shop, 
fitted out with a new style of furniture and all mod- 
ern conveniences. Only first-class workmen are 
employed, and Mr. Millis, therefore, enjoys a good 



business, which from the beginning has constantly 
increased. He has led an honorable and straight- 
forward life, is a man of genial and kindly dispos- 
ition, and has the good will of all who know him. 



EBENEZER DAVIDSON. 



BENEZER DAVIDSON, a representative 
^ farmer of Geneva Township, Walworth 
^ County, now residing on .sections 15 and 16, 
was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y. , on the 13th 
of September, 1846, and is a .son of Hugh and 
Jane ( Hamilton ) Davidson, who are natives of 
Glasgow, Scotland. Their family numbered the 
following children: John W., who now resides in 
Eureka, Kan.; Hugh R. , who is located in Los 
Angeles, Cal.; Anna H., deceased; Ebenezer; 
and William D., of Bodie, Cal. Hugh Davidson 
has been twice married, having first wedded 
Elizabeth McNaughton, a daughter of James and 
Elizabeth (Thompson) McNaughton, who were 
natives of Scotland. They had six children; Jo- 
seph and James, who are now decea.sed; Catherine, 
wife of Judge Benjamin Houston, of Winona, 
Minn.; Elizabeth, wife of Plowman Wheeler, of 
Galesville, Wis.; and two who died in infancy. 

The father of our subject was connected with 
woolen and cotton factories both in Scotland and 
America. He crossed the Atlantic in 1840, and 
located in New Hartford, N. Y. , where for .some 
years he made his home. His next place of resi- 
dence was at Brainers Bridge, where he .served as 
superintendent of a cloth factorj^ for some years. 
In 1850 he emigrated to Wisconsin, locating on a 
farm belonging to our .subject, and there he still 
makes his home. He first purchased eighty 
acres of land, and from time to time he has added 
to that tract until he now has two hundred acres, 
highly cultivated and improved, and yielding to 
the owner a good income in return for the care 
and cultivation he bestows upon it. While in 



their native land, Mr. and Mrs. Davidson were 
Scotch-Presbyterians, but after coming to the 
United States joined the Methodi.st Church, with 
which the)' are .still identified. Mr. Davidson has 
been a local preacher for many j^ears, and has la- 
bored earnestl)- in the interest of Christianity. 
He has now reached the advanced age of ninety- 
one years, and his wife is eighty -seven years of 
age, but both are well preserved and bright in 
intellect. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject, Joseph 
Davidson, was a native of Scotland, who came to 
America in 1848. Two years later he took up his 
residence in Wisconsin, where he lived with the 
family on the farm which now belongs to our sub- 
ject. While living in Scotland he had served as 
a soldier, and had followed the sea for a number 
of years. He also engaged in spinning in his na- 
tive land, but after coming to the United States 
carried on agricultural pursuits. His death oc- 
curred on the 8th of March, 1861, at the age of 
eighty-four years. He too was a Scotch- Presby- 
terian, and had a familj- of four children. 

Hugh Davidson, father of Joseph David.son, 
was a native of Scotland, and started with his 
family for America, but his wife was taken sick 
and died on the coast of Ireland, and in the Emer- 
ald Isle her husband afterward remained. One 
of her brothers, Hugh Montgomery, was a Cap- 
tain in the British army, and helped to drive King 
James III. out of Ireland. 

Our subject had seen onlj' four years when his 
parents came to Wisconsin, and upon the old 
homestead farm in Walworth Count}- the days of 



10 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ills iM.\ iicMKl and youth were passed. In the win- 
ter nmnth.s he atttiuk*! llic di^triil stliiH>ls, and 
in the summer season aided in the lalxjrsoflhe 
farm. When only seventeen years of age he re- 
si>onded to the country's call for tr<H>ps, enlisting 
in 1863 as a memlKT of the Fourth Wisconsin 
Cavaln,-, in which he served for nearly three 
years. lie t<H)k part in the battles of Ft. Hud.s<in, 
Mobile. Spanish Fort and many others of less im- 
portance, and was always found at his po.st of 
duty, faithfid to the Old F'lag and the cau.sc it 
represented. 

When the preservation of the I'liion was an as- 
surc«l fact, Mr. David.son. having been honorably 
discharged from the service, returned home and 
remained in Walworth County until 1874. when 
he went to Nevada and acted as receiver for the 
luireka Con.soliilated Mining Company for about 
nine years. While there he also .served as Pay- 
master of the Second Urigade, State Militia, for 
six years. lu i.s,S4 he returned to the Badger 
State. While in the West he had visitwl the old 
homestead of his father, and after his return he 
addcil to it a tract of one hundred aiul sixty 
acres. 

On the 2.vl of SejitemlHrr, 1869, Mr. Davids<Mi 
was united in marriage with Miss KUen A. Stevens, 



a daughter of James and Betsy (Scott) Stevens, 
l)oth of whom were natives of New York. Two 
children were Ixjrn lo them: Florence, and one 
who died in infancy. Mrs. David.son is a njem- 
l>er of the Methodi.st Episcopal Church. Mr. 
Davids<iu is a ]>r<>minent Mason, having taken the 
thirty -.second degree. He lx:longed to Eureka 
Lodge No. 16, A. F. & A. M.: St. John's Chap- 
ter No. 5. R. A. M., of Eureka, Nev.:and Beloit 
Commandery No. 6. K. T.. of Beloit. Wis. He 
also belongs to Tpham Post No. 29, G. A. R., 
of Ivnreka, Nev., and in politics lie is a Re]nibli- 
can. In 1S93 he ser\ed as President of the Wal- 
worth County Agricultural Society. He has now 
nearly four hundred acres of land, and has one of 
the best country homes in Walworth Comity. 
He engages ([uite extensively in the raising of 
hogs, and in pa.st years raised considerable other 
slock, but now devotes much of his time to the 
dairy business. He has a fine dairy and milks 
sixty or more cows. Upon the farm are gotxl 
barns and outbuildings, which are models of con- 
venience, well-kept fences, the latest improved 
machinery, and all the accessories of a modern 
farm. The success of his life is due to his own 
efforts, and the handsome competence which he 
has acquired is the just reward of his labors. 



iki:i)i:ki(K lu kci-i'i; 



r"Rl':nERICK HLRGETT, who now follows 
JM the blacksmith trade in Genoa Junction, was 
I iKirn on a farm two miles west of this place, 
on tile 2yth of June, 1863, and is a representative 
of one of the honored i)ioneer families of Wal- 
worth County. His paternal grandfather. Con- 
rad Hurgelt. was a native of New York, but at 
an early day emigrated westward anil took up his 
residence in Walworth County, where he pur- 
chased a small farm wi-st of Genoa Junction. 
Thereon he iiKule his home until 1865, when he 
removed to Nebra.ska, where his death occurred. 



His family of nine children included Cornelius 
Rurgett. the father of our .subject. With Iiisjiar- 
eiits he came to the West, and in Walworth 
County followed farming and blacksmithing. 
Having arrived at mature years, he married Ma- 
tilda Harrison, a daughter of Nathan Harrison, 
who was born in Pennsylvania, of German par- 
enl.nge. Her father left his home in the l^a.st in 
early life and became a resident of Ohio, where 
he grew to manhood. Sub.seiiuently he made his 
home for a time in Michigan, and then came to 
this county, where his last days were pa.ssed. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



213 



His death occurred in Genoa Junction at the age 
of eighty-one j-ears. His father died at the 
very advanced age of one hundred and three. 

Unto Cornelius and Matilda Burgett were born 
six children, five of whom are yet living, namely: 
William; Ceola, wife of Leroy M. Kelley, of Mil- 
waukee, Wis.; Ella, widow of Horace Morgan, 
and a resident of Lake Geneva; Frank L., who 
makes his home in New Mexico; and Frederick, 
of this sketch. Myrtie, the fifth in order of 
birth, is now deceased. 

When our .subject was a child of nine years he 
went to live with his maternal grandparents, and 
was reared in Genoa Junction, acquiring his edu- 
cation in the public schools. At the age of sev- 
enteen he began learning the blacksmith's trade, 
and has since followed that business. For .some 
time he was in the employ of others, Ijut for the 
past seven years has been in business for himself. 
He is an expert workman, and has therefore won 



from the public a liberal patronage, which is well 
deserved. 

On the 13th of April, 1886, Mr. Burgett led to 
the marriage altar Mi.ss Anna Feldkemp, daugh- 
ter of George Feldkemp. Their union has been 
blessed with three children, a son and two 
daughters: Frank H., Edith D. and Vera May. 
They have a pleasant home in Genoa Junction, 
and its hospitable doors are ever open for the re- 
ception of their many friends. 

In his political views, Mr. Burgett is a Repub- 
lican, but has never .sought or desired office, pre- 
ferring to give his entire time and attention to his 
business interests. Socially, he is a Mason. His 
entire life has been pa.ssed in his native county, 
and those who ha\e known him from boyhood 
are numbered among his stanche.st friends, a fact 
which indicates that his career has been an hon- 
orable and upright one. 



THOMAS BARR. 



HOMAS BARR, who was engaged in busi- 
ness in Lake Geneva as a dealer in flour 
and feed, is numbered among the worthy- 
citizens that Scotland has furnished to Walworth 
County. He was born in Pai,sley, March 8, 
1822, and is a son of John and Barbara (Black) 
Barr, who were also born in Scotland. His 
grandfather, Allen Barr, was a weaver of that 
country, and died in Paisley in 1828, at the age of 
sixty-seven years. John Barr was a silk-weaver. 
He continued in his native land until 1827, when 
with his family he crossed the Atlantic to the 
New World, locating in Stockport, N. Y., where 
he engaged in bu.sine.ss as a fancy dyer for six 
years. On the expiration of that period he went 
to Taunton, Mass., and six years later removed 
to Fall River. In 1848, he came to Wiscon.sin, 
.settling in Linn Township, Walworth County, 



where his son Thomas had purchased for him a 
farm of one hundred and twenty acres. This he 
improved and cultivated until his death, which 
occurred in i860, at the age of sixty-eight years. 
His wife survived him some years, and was called 
to her final rest at the age of eighty-four. Mr. 
Barr had served as an English soldier for seven 
years and eight months during the war with 
Napoleon. Both he and his wife were members 
of the Epi.scopal Church. 

Our subject is one of a family of .six .sons and 
two daughters, but only three of the luimber are 
now living, his brothers being Allen, of Lawrence, _ 
Mass., and George W., who occupies the old 
homestead in Linn Township. Thomas was 
principally reared in Massachu.setts, for he came 
to the United States when a lad of only seven 
summers. His education was acquired in night 



PORTRAIT AND mOGRAPlIICAL RECORD. 



.M.hiMils, for Iroiii an early a^c lie worked in 
factories during;; the day time. For se\eii > ears 
lie was employed at calico and delaine jirinting 
in the Ha\' State, hut finally lie determined to 
come West, and in 1X4^ we find him in I, inn 
Township. Walwi)rth County. Although lie had 
no exiK-rieiice a> a farmer, he turned his attention 
to agricultural i)ursuits, and fur nine \ears oper- 
ated his farm. 

On the i")tli ot .Ma\ . i'<4y, .Mr. Harr wasjoined 
in we<l)i><.k with Miss ICIizaheth H(K)th, daughter 
of Richard and Martha ( Millett » Hoolli They 
have a pleasant home in Lake (ieiieva, which is 
the alxKle of liospitalitv . Both are meinl)ers of 
the Kpiscopal Church, and throughout the com- 
munity they are held in high regard. 

On leaving his farm. Mr. IJarr came to Lake 
Geneva, in 1852. At that time there was a heavy 



growth of timber where the public square is now 
locatetl. For some years he engaged in various 
pursuits, and then embarked in the flour and 
feed business, which he conducted for twelve 
years. Recently, however, he .sold out and is 
now living retired. In politics, he is a Repub- 
lican, and although he keeps well informed on 
the is.sues of the day. has never l)een an office- 
seeker. SfK-ially, he is a Royal Arch Mason. 
He is a pleasant, genial gentleman, well pre- 
served, and his seventy-two years rest lightlv 
\\\K>\\ him. He believes in looking on the bright 
side of life. and. as he .says, "never troubles 
trouble till trouble troubles him ' ' — a course which 
adds greatly to length of life and to happiness. 
Mr. Barr was a good business man, and well 
deser\'es the rest which he is now enjoying. 



\ViLI':\' 11. WII.SON. M. I). 




ILi:V H. WILSON, M. 1).. lla^ sine.. i.s,>.s 
l>een engage<l in the practice of medicine 
in I.,ake Oeneva. and is now enjoying a 
l.iiK> -ind lucrative jiractice. which from the be- 
ginning has cou.stantly iiicrea.se<l, showing that 
his skill and ability are recognized throughout 
the community. A native of Georgia, the Doctor 
waslKiniin I.,;i Grange on the fitli of January, 
1M42, and is a representative of a leading .south- 
ern family. His paternal grandfather was Isaac 
Wilson, a native of North Carolina, who .serv'ed 
as a soldier in the War of 1813, and for many 
years was a planter in his native .state. Sub.se- 
tiuenlly he removed to Getirgia. where his death 
occurred at the rijK- old age of eighty years. He 
was a cordial, o]>eii-hearted gentleman, jHis.se.s.sed 
of the true spirit of .southern hosi)itality and 
generosity, anil all who knew him esteemed him 
highly. His brother. Louis Wilson, was a di.s- 
tingui.shed soldier of the Mexican War, and in 



Raleigh, N. C. a moiiiiiiieiit was erected to his 
meiiKirw The Wilson family is of Knglish ori- 
gin. 

The l)(xli)r s father. Wile> Wilsfjii, Sr., was 
born in Georgia, studied law, and engaged in 
practice at the Bar. For more than a quarter of 
a century he sen'ed as Judge of the Circuit Court, 
in Trou]) Countv, Ga., and his reputation extend- 
ed far beyond the limits of the locality in which 
he lived. His death occurred on the ist of Janu- 
ary, 1856, at the age of fifty-six years. Hiswifc, 
who bore the maiden name of Melviiia M. Strain, 
was born in North Carolina, in 180S, and is now 
living, in her eighty sixth year. She is a member 
of the Presbyterian Church, and makes her home 
with her son in Lake Geneva. Judge Wilson 
held nieml)er.ship with the Methodist Church. 
In their family were three children. Eliza died 
at the age of five years. Lucian .Strain, who 
graduated from the University of Georgia, also from 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHlg^I, RECORD. 



215 



JefiFerson Medical College, Philadelphia, in March, 
i86i,died during the war, December 9, 1861, 
while visiting his brother Wiley, who is the 
youngest of the family. Mrs. Wilson is a daugh- 
ter of Dr. Strain. Her father was a native of 
North Carolina, but removed to Greene County, 
Ga., where he practiced medicine until his death, 
which occurred between the age of sixty and 
seventy years. He was found among the defend- 
ers of his country in the War of 181 2, serving 
under Nathaniel Green, and received a land 
grant, upon which the present town of Darien, 
Ga. , is now built. 

The Doctor acquired his early education in the 
public schools of his native city, where he re- 
mained until the age of seventeen, when he 
entered the University of Georgia, at Athens. 
Two years later he was graduated from that in- 
stitution in the Class of '61, after which he was 
in the medical department of the Confederate 
anny until the close of the war. He studied 
medicine in the Kentucky School of Medicine, 
and subsequently pursued post-graduate courses 



in Philadelphia and New York. For a time he 
was proprietor of a drug store in Atlanta, Ga., 
also of one in Loui.sville, Kj-. 

On the I st of June, 1871, was celebrated the 
marriage of Dr. Wilson and Miss Kate Hayes, 
daughter of William H. Hayes, of Bardstown 
Junction. In 1880 they removed to Chicago, 
where the Doctor engaged in practice until 1883, 
when he became A.ssistant Physician in the Illi- 
nois State Institution for the Feeble-minded, at 
Lincoln, 111. In 1885 he came to Lake Geneva, as 
resident physician of the Oakwood Retreat. For 
two years he served in this capacity, but in 1887 
resigned his position and opened a down-town 
office. His practice has increased each year, un- 
til it has now assumed extensive proportions, and 
therefore yields to him a comfortable income. In 
religious faith, the Doctor is a Presbyterian, but 
his wife belongs to the Catholic Church. He is 
a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in poli- 
tics is a supporter of the principles of the Dem- 
ocracy. 



JAMES S. REEK. 



3 AMES S. REEK is the owner of one of the 
most highly improved farms of Walworth 
Count}-, and is recognized as one of the most 
progressive agriculturists. His home is situated 
on section 20, Linn Township, and in this town- 
ship he was born on the i8th of November, 1849. 
His paternal grandparents were John and Marj- 
(Garside) Reek. They had five children, of 
whom John, Jr., was the youngest. He was 
born in Cheshire, England, on the latli of August, 
1813, and became the father of our .subject. He 
married Amelia Bennett, and unto them were 
born eight children: Joseph, of Wi.sconsin; Ann, 
wi^e of Henry Marshall, of Mills County, Iowa; 
Mary, wife of John Marshall, of Reno County, 
Kan.; Carrie, wife of Henry Hastings, of Glen- 



wood, Iowa; Emma, wife of W. H. Allen, of 
Bloomfield; Lizzie, wife of Albert Smith, ofpel- 
avan; George, who is serving as a County Re- 
corder in Montana; and our subject. 

The father of this family was twenty-two years 
of age when he bade adieu to friends and native 
land and sailed for America. He located finst in 
Taunton, Mass., where he lived for eight years, 
working at his trade of carriage-making. He 
then came to the West and took up his residence 
in Linn Township, Walworth County, where he 
has since made his home. For many years he 
followed farming in the summer months, and in 
the winter season engaged in carriage-making. 
About seventeen years ago he laid aside all busi- 
ness cares, and has since lived retired, in the en- 



2l6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



joymeiit of a comfortable coinpt'teiice acquired 
tlirouKli his own well-directed efforts. He is now 
eighty -one years of a^;<- Hi- wife passed away 
some thirty years sint » 

The gentleman whose name lieads this record 
attended the district schools of the neighlKJrhood 
(luring his IxiyluKHl. and worked ujxjn the farm, 
remaining under the parental too( until he liad 
attained his majority. He then startetl out in 
life for himself and. Koing to Nevada, euRaged in 
miniuK an<l in the charcoal husine.ss, and also fol- 
lowe<l teamint;. To tho.se interests he devoted 
his energies for alwut nine years, afttr which he 
returned to Walworth County and embarked in 
fanning. He has since carrie<l on agricultural 
jnirsuits with gtxxl success, and now owns three 
hundr<.-<l and sixty acres of valuable land on sec- 
lions 2u and 21. Linn Township. He is making 
this one of tiie valuable farms of Walworth Coun- 
ty. He h.ns recently erected a large barn after 
the most approved plan, and in addition to general 
fanning he carries on the dair>- business, keeping 
fifty cows for this purpose. He is Treasurer of 
the Co-ojierative Creamery Company ancl has 
been one of the leading promoters of the enter- 
prise. He keeps about twenty head of horses, 
has laid alxnit four thousand rods of tiling uikju 



his farm, and keeps four men employed upon the 
place. He does not iK-lieve that plowing and 
planting are all that is necessary, leaving the rest 
to nature, but in all possible ways aids nature in 
the i)rodnction of fine crops. 

On Christmas Day of 1881, was celebrated the 
marriage of Mr. Reek and Miss Julia Kaye, the 
youngest child of Abram and Harriet f Brayshaw ) 
Kaye. .Mention of her parents is made in the 
sketch of her brother, Arthur Kaye, on another 
page of this work. Five children grace the 
union of our sid)ject and his wife: Nettie Mabel. 
Lillian Ethel. James Bennett, Alice K. and Rob- 
ert Arthur. One child, Harriet, died in in- 
fancy. 

Mr. Reek exercises his right of franchise in 
sii]>port of the Republican ]iart\-, and is a stal- 
wart advocate of the party principles. In 1887 
he was elected a memljer of the Town Board of 
.Sui)ervis<)rs. and at each succeeding election has 
been again cho.sen to that office, which he yet 
fills, a fact which well indicates his efficient .serv- 
ice. He is a man of sterling worth and strict 
integrity', and his well-spent life has gained for 
him the confidence and good-will of all with 
whom business or social relations have brought 
him in contact. 



A. WILLIS II\I)I{. 



Gl WILLIS HYDE, who is now ser\ing as 
LI baggageman on the Chicago & Northwest- 
/ I em Railroad at Genoa Junction, is one of 
the worthy citizens that New York has furnished 
to Walworth County. His birth occurred in 
Warren County of the Ivmpire State, Januar>- 24, 
1847, ami he is a .son of Newton and Lola .^ini 
(Willis) H>de. who were natives of Mas.sachu- 
sctts. The paternal grandfather, David Hyde, 
was lK)rn in New York, and lived in that State 
and Yermoiit for many yeans. Alxjut 1840 he 
emigrate<l westward, locating in Illinois, but after 



a few years he remo\ed to a farm near Lake Gen- 
eva, where he made his home for a third of a 
century. He was one of the early settlers of the 
county, and took an active and connnendable in- 
terest in public affairs. In 1878 he departed this 
life, having reached the riiK' old age of eighty- 
three years. The maternal grandfather, .Stough- 
ton Willis, was born in New York, and was a 
farmer by occupation. He ])ossessed con.siderable 
skill as a clarionet-player. His death (x-curred 
in New York, at the age of seventy. 

Newton Hyde was one of a family of four sons 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 



217 



and four daughters. During his yoiniger years 
he came to the territory^ of Wisconsin, and in 
1 85 1 took up his residence near Lake Geneva, 
where he lived for two years. He then removed 
to Sharon, where he made his home the greater 
part of the time for fifteen years. He was found 
among the boys in bUie during the late war, hav- 
ing enlisted on the ist of September, i86r, as a 
member of the Thirteenth Wisconsin Infantry. 
For a year he was with that regiment, and then 
enlisted in the One Hundred and Forty-second 
Illinois Infantry, with which he .served for six 
months. He then became a member of the One 
Hundred and Fifty-third Illinois Infantr\-, with 
which he did duty for a year. When the war 
was over, he located in Sharon, where he made 
his home until 1872, when he came to Genoa 
Junction. For eight years he served as mail-car- 
rier, but o!i account of ill-health was forced to 
abandon that work in 1893. His wife, who was 
a member of the Congregational Church, was 
called to the home beyond in November, 1890, in 
the sixty -fifth year of her age. 

Willis Hyde was a child of only three years 
when with his parents he came to Wisconsin, and 
was a youth of twelve summers at the time of 
their removal to Illinois. Four days before his 
seventeenth birthdav he enlisted for the Civil 



War, and was assigned to Company K, Seventh 
Wisconsin Infantry-. He .served from the 20th of 
January, 1864, until after the close of hostilities, 
when, on the 3d of July, 1865, he was honorably 
discharged. He took part in the battles of Wel- 
don Railroad, Hatchie's Run, Gravelly Run and 
Five Forks, and was present on the surrender of 
Gen. Lee. 

On his return North Mr. Hyde located in Bel- 
videre. 111., and two years later removed to 
Sharon, Wis. On the 4th of March, 1874, he 
came to Genoa Junction, and for .seventeen and 
a-half years worked on a section of the Chicago 
& Northwestern Railroad. For about three years 
he was baggageman at the depot at this place, 
and is now in charge of a section on that line. 

On the i.st of September, 1872, Mr. Hyde was 
united in marriage with Miss Flora Lippitt, daugh- 
ter of Cyrus and Lydia (Bruce) Lippitt. Her 
mother was a native of Ireland. They now have 
two children, Hattie M. and Earl D. The form- 
er is the wife of Solon Reed, Jr., and thej- have 
one son, Robbie. Mr. H)-de is a member of the 
Odd Fellows' society, and of the Modern Wood- 
men fraternity, and belongs to McPherson Post 
No. 27, Lake Geneva. In politics, he has al- 
waj'S been a stanch Republican. 



ARNOLD WEEKS. 



61 RNOLD WEEKS, the olde.st living settler 
I I of Lyons Township, resides on section 7, 
I I where he has a comfortable home. He was 
born in Montgomery County, N. Y., on the i6th 
of October, 181 1, and is of English descent. His 
father, Levi Weeks, was born on Long Lsland, 
and was living at the time of the Revolution, al- 
though he was too young to enter the service. 
He married Miss Anna Arnold, and thej- became 
the parents of nine children; Levi and Hiram, 
both deceased; Arnold; John Reed, who is now 



living in Morgan Park, 111.; Sallie, Clara, Ma- 
ria and Eliza, all of whom are now deceased; and 
one who died in infanc}-. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
grew to manhood upon a farm in his native 
count)-, and his earl}' education, acquired in the 
district .schools, was supplemented b}' a course of 
study in the High School of Amsterdam. At the 
age of .sixteen he became a teacher in the old- 
fashioned singing-.schools of that da}', and to that 
work devoted his time and attention until twenty 



3l8 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



years of age. In 1830, he embarked in fanning, 
and carrietl on aKricnllural pursuits in the Kni- 
jiire State fur some years. 

Mr. Weeks was marrie«l in New York, on liie 
30th of August, i«.^2, to Miss Hannah SiH.rlx-ck, 
who was horn in Schenectady, Schenectady 
County, N. V., I)eceml)er 7, 1812, and is a 
daughter of John and Anna (Springstein 1 Si)er- 
iKTck. Five children were boni to Mr. and Mrs. 
Weeks, namely: John Arnold, who now makes 
his home in Oakland County, Mich.; James H., 
deceased: I.evi and Martin, both of whom are 
living in Lyons Township: and Theodore, who 
now resides in Springfield, Wis. They also have 
fifteen grandchildren and twelve great grand- 
children. 

In 1842, Arnold Weeks bade adieu to his old 
home and friends in the l-la.st, and with his fam- 
ily starte<l for the Territon.- of Wisconsin. In 
the niiintli of June he took up his residence in 
Lyons Township, Walworth County, and is now 



the oldest living settler of that ItKrality. Soon 
after his arrival he i)urcha.sed one hundred and 
twenty acres of wild land, but it did not remain 
long in its primitive condition, for he at once be- 
gan breaking it, j)lanled crops, and in course of 
time gathered rich harvests therefrom. As the 
years pas.sed his farm Ixrcame one of the Ijest in 
the neighl)<)rhoo<l, and was made to yield to him a 
gootl income. 

Mr. Weeks cast his first Presidential vote for 
Martin \'an Huren, but since its organization has 
supported the men and the measures of the Re- 
pul)licau party. He has lived a quiet and unas- 
suming life, and his career has i)een an honorable 
and upright one, that has gained for him the con- 
fidence and regard of the entire community. 
Both he and his wife are members of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church and have taken an active 
interest in everj-thing pertaining to its growth 
and upbuilding. 



lU'XlAMIX I-. W'RICHT 



BICNJAMIN !•'. WKIC.IIT, who carries on 
general farming on .section 16, Walworth 
Townshi]), is niniil)<.Ted among the early set- 
tlers of Walworth County, of 1.S55. A native of 
Albany County, N. Y., he was born October 7, 
ifiT,H, and is of Ivnglish descent on both the ])a- 
ternal and maternal sides. His parents were 
David and Ph<el)e (Gardiner) Wright, and Iwth 
were natives of New York. The father spent the 
days of his boyhood and ycjulh upon a farm in 
Dutchess County. When he was a young man 
he removed l<i Albany County, where he was 
married. Hesi)eiit his remaining days in All)any 
and Schoharie Counties, devoting his time and at- 
tention to agricidlural i)ursuits. His death <k-- 
curred at the age of sixty-five years, and his wife 
pa&sed away at the age of forty-five. She was an 
aunt of Jtidge Bradley, an Associate Judge of the 



L'niled States. In their family were twelve chil- 
dren, nine .sons and three daughters, but James 
Harvey, Rebecca and Sallie Ann are now de- 
cea.sed. Perr\- G. now makes his home with our 
subject; William D. has also pa.s.sed away; P. 
Bradley is a farmer in Walworth Count)-; Jo.seph 
C. follows fanning in Schoharie County, N. Y.; 
Benjamin F. is the next younger; MeUxmrn O. 
is deceased; Heman G. is a resident of St. Paul, 
Miini. ; Ambrose P. makes his home in the same 
city; and Plicebe has been called to her final rest. 
Mr. Wright of this .sketch remained under the 
parental roof until fourteen years of age, and then 
started out in life for himself He may tnilj- be 
called a selfmade man, for whatever success he 
has achieved is the result of his own efforts. On 
leaving Innne, he removed to Monroe, Mich., 
where he worked as a farm hand for about a \ear, 




iiAKi.is C. Mi;.\(.ii.\M 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



221 



and in 1855 came to Delavan, where he was em- 
ployed in the same waj- for a short period. He 
then followed the carpenter's trade for a year, 
after which he went to Madison, Wis., where he 
worked at carpentering and at clerking in a retail 
store until the spring of 1859. He then came to 
Big Foot Prairie, in Walworth Township, where 
he was employed as a farm hand until August 15, 
1862. 

On that day, Mr. Wright, prompted by patri- 
otic impulses, responded to his country's call for 
troops, and enrolled his name among the boys in 
blue of the Twenty-eighth Wisconsin Infantry. 
He entered the service as a private, but the fol- 
lowing year was made Corporal. He took part in 
many engagements, including the battle of Hel- 
ena, Ark., Jul)- 4, 1863, and Mobile, and escaped 
without being wounded or taken prisoner. On 
the 20th of August, 1865, he was honorablj- dis- 
charged, for the war was ended and the Union 
was still unbroken. 



Mr. Wright then returned to his old home, and 
worked at the carpenter' s trade until 1 88 1 . During 
the succeeding eight years he carried on a sum- 
mer resort on Geneva Lake, and about 1888 re- 
moved to his farm, which he purcha.sed in 1865. 
He was married on the 7th of March, 1861, to 
Mi.ss Maria A. Huntley, of Walworth County, 
who died Decemljer 6, 1888, leaving one son, 
John D. There were four children. Two died 
in infancy, and one, Cora May, died May 14, 
1885, aged twenty-one j-ears and eleven months. 
Our subject was married to his second wife, Mary 
A. Holmes, March 2, 1892. 

Mr. Wright votes with the Republican party, 
which he has supported .since attaining his major- 
ity. Socialh', he is connected with Abe Lincoln 
Post No. 3, G. A. R., of Darien. He takes no 
very prominent part in public affairs, but always 
faithfully discharges his duties of citizenship, and 
the best interests of the community find in him a 
friend. 



CHARLES C. MEACHAM. 



EHARLES C. MEACHAM, an enterprising 
fanner and the owner of "Kenilworth Inn," 
a beautifiil summer hotel situated on Dela- 
van Lake, was born on the 3d of May, 1854, in 
the old home of his parents, where he now resides. 
This is situated on section 35, Delavan Town- 
ship. His father, Hilas Meacham, was born in 
Brown County, Pa., in January, 18 12, and was 
reared on a farm. His wife was born in Con- 
necticut, Julj- 7, 1817. They emigrated to Wis- 
consin in the j^ear 1844, locating first in Racine 
County, where they spent five years, and then 
came to Walworth County. Here they located 
upon a farm in the town of Delavan, on the banks 
of Lake Delavan, and in 1856 removed to Spring- 
field, Wis., where the father died in 1867. In 
the family were seven children, but Hilas, Eliza, 
Herbert and Frances are now deceased. Louisa is 



the wife of James A.shley, a resident of South 
Dakota; Caroline is the wife of Horace Baker, 
and they live in Texas with her mother; Charles 
C. of this sketch completes the family. 

Our subject was only two years of age when 
his parents removed to Springfield. He was ed- 
ucated in Delavan, and at the age of t^vent}^ years 
started out in life for himself, since which time he 
has made his own way in the world unaided. In 
November, 1874, he was united in marriage witli 
Miss Delia E. Yo.st, daughter of John and Esther 
R. (Hollister) Yost. Her father was born in 
Elizabethtown, N. J., Augu.st 8, 1812, and in an 
early day removed with his parents to Penn Van, 
N. v., where he was reared. On the r6th of 
September, 1839, he married Mi.ss HoUister, of 
Perry, N. Y., who was born July 3, 1817, and 
was a daughter of John H. and Polly Hollister. 



322 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



She was one of eleven children, of whom the fol- 
lowing are yet livinR: Kli/a. wife of F. Olncy, of 
Perry, N. Y.; Ddia. wife of O. Smith, who is 
livinj; inOaklaml, Cal.; Hcnjainiii H., who makes 
his home in Perry, N. V.; and Mrs. Yost, who 
resides with Mr. and Mrs. Meachani. Her fa- 
ther was a native of Ma.s.sachu.setts, and was of 
Hnglish tkseent. In 1.S16, he removed to Perry, 
N. Y., where he made his home until his death, 
which occurre*! in i«.S2. His wife pas.sed away 
in 1869. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Yost: Krwin and Hrsaphine, lK>th deceased: 
Celia, wife of Henry Dalton, who is living in the 
town of Delavan: Sarah, wife of J. Brown, a resi- 
dent of Walworth County: Martha, deceased; and 
Delia K.. now Mrs. Meacham. Mr. and Mrs. 
Yost were among the earliest settlers of this 
section of Wisconsin, and were nuinl>ered among 
the )>est citizens of Walworth County. He was a 
(juiet and unassuming man, but was honorable 
and upright in all his dealings, and was a true 
friend in time of need. He and his wife cele- 
brated their fiftieth wedding aiuiiversarj- Septem- 
iK-r if>, iSScj, and many old friends and neighlx)rs 
shared in the festivities <if the occa.sion, and to 
the worthy couple iiresented many fine presents 
as tokens of their regard and esteem. 

We now tuni to the personal histor>' of Mr. 



Meacham, who for many years has been a suc- 
cessful fanner of Delavan Township, and is now 
the owner of one hundred and thirty-three and a 
third acres of valuable land, which borders <in 
Delavan Lake. Here he has erected a beautiful 
hotel called the Kenilworth Inn, and has made it 
a famous and p<jpular summer resort. Many fine 
cottages have lieen erected near it for the ac- 
commodation of summer guests, and in the busy 
season are entertained people from all parts of the 
country, who come here to enjoy the pure air and 
beautiful scener>-. The hotel is always under 
good management, and the guests will find all 
their wants and re<iuirements carefully and kind- 
ly looked after. 

Mr. Meacham resides with his family about a 
half-mile from his hotel, where he has a lovely 
private home. He has one daughter. Pearl, a 
bright little maiden of nine summers. In his 
political views, he has always Ijeen a Republican. 
ser\'ed as Township Su{ier\'isor in 1892, and has 
been honored with other local offices, the duties 
of which he has ever promptly and faithfully per- 
formed. Socially, he is connected with the 
Knights of Pythias of Delavan, and both he and 
his estimable wife have the warm regard of the 
entire conimunitv. 



RUSS S. S.MITH 



R< )SS S. SMITH, who owns and operates a 
line farm on section ^, Delavan Township, is 
.1 native of the Kmerald Isle. He was Ixiru 
in County (lalloway, Ireland, March 19, 1846, 
and with his parents CTos.se<l the briny deep to the 
rnitc-<l Suites. His father, William T. Smith, 
was boni in County Galloway in iSio. His 
mother, who bore the maiden name of Ivli/.abeth 
Catherine Seymour, was Uirn in Ivngland. in 
iSiS, and was a daughter of Eyre Seymour, who 
was.sent to Ireland to serve in the arnu . Mr, 



and Mrs. Smith were married in Air Court in 
1S34, and unto them were born nine children. 
James, deceased, was interred in the Dunliar Cem- 
etery of North Geneva: Catherine is the wife of 
John Caldwell, of Beloit, Wis.: William is living 
in Monterey, Cal.: Maria became the wife of Ed 
Williams, and at her death was laid to rest in 
l\ast Delavan Cemeter>-; Ross S. is the next 
younger; Lizzie is the wife of Randall Brigham. 
of Lake Geneva: Augusta bc-caine the wife of 
August Strong, who died and was buried in Ha- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



223 



zel Ridge Cemetety, of Elkhorn, Wis.; Belle is 
the wife of Harmon Shutt, of Milwaukee; and Fan- 
nie became the wife of Herbert Nichols, and at her 
death was interred in the cemetery at Janesville. 

Ross S. Smith was a child of seven summers 
when, with his parents, he came to America. The 
family first located in Milwaukee, but in October, 
1853, came to Walworth County, where he was 
reared and educated. His mother died in 1864, 
and was buried in Ea.st Delavan Cemeterj*. In 
1869 his father married Miss Augusta Clark, and 
has since returned to Ireland, where he now makes 
his home. Our subject attended the common 
schools of Walworth Count\-, but completed his 
education in the seminaiy at Delavan. Having 
attained to man's estate, he was married, March 
21, 1866, to Miss Elizabeth B. Sej'mour, daugh- 
ter of Rev. Donelan B. and Harriet Ann Sey- 
mour. Her parents were natives of England, 
and her maternal grandfather, Joseph Brooks, was 
a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Twentieth Regiment 
of Her Majestj''s Infantrj-, and was a baronet. 



Her father. Rev. D. B. Seymour, was an Episco- 
palian minister, who became a Dean of the Church 
of England. He was twice married, and a half- 
brother and two half-sisters of Mrs. Smith still re- 
•side in the Old Country. 

Unto our subject and his wife were born two 
children: Alice M., wife of J. B. Reader, of Del- 
avan, Wis. ; and William Edward, who is engaged 
in railroading. Mrs. Reeder was educated in 
Delavan, and was married January 8, 1891. She 
has one son, Frank Clifford. 

The Republican party finds in Mr. Smith a 
.stalwart supporter, and on that ticket he has been 
elected Ju.stice of the Peace and School Treasurer. 
He and his wife are both faithful and consistent 
members of the Epi.scopal Church. Thej' have a 
pleasant home on .section 3, Delavan Township, 
where Mr. Smith owns and operates ninety acres 
of good land. They are numbered among the 
be.st citizens of the community, and are highly 
respected b^- a large circle of friends and acquaint- 
ances. 



WILLIAM HOLLINSHEAD. 



IILLIAM HOLLINSHEAD, a retired 
farmer now living on section 3, Dela\an 
Township, was born in Northampton Coun- 
ty, Pa., on the 3d of September, 1806, and is a 
son of James and Sarah Hollin.shead. In the 
usual maimer of farmer lads he was reared to 
manhood, attending the schools provided by the 
co-operation of families in the neighborhood. 
Payment was made for each pupil, and these sub- 
scription .schools were maintained throughout the 
year. During intervals, when not in attendance 
upon these schools, he aided in the labors of the 
farm. The year 1837 witnessed his removal to 
Wisconsin, where he arrived in June. He took 
up his residence on section 3, Delavan Town- 
ship, securing a tract of wild land, upon which 
not a furrow had been turned or an improve- 



ment made. The county was but thinly settled, 
the work of civilization and progress seemed 
scarcely begun, and the State had not yet been 
admitted to the Union. 

Mr. Hollinshead acquired a good education in 
Stroudsburg (Pa.) Academy but other than 
this had little with which to aid him in mak- 
ing a start in life. His father, James Hollins- 
head, was born in the city of Philadelphia, De- 
cember 31 , 1 768, and was educated as a physician. 
For a few years he engaged in the practice of 
medicine, and then turned his attention to farm- 
ing, which he followed for some time about eighty 
miles from Philadelphia. He was of Engli.sh and 
Irish descent. His wife was a daughter of Jacob 
Stroud and Elizabeth (McDowell) Stroud, of 
England and Pennsylvania respecti\ely . In the 



1 



334 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Holliiishcacl family wlti: thirteen children, Ijiitour 
subject is the only one now living Hi was lla- 
ninth in order of l)irth. 

In 1.H4;, William Hollinshcad retumcil to the 
lia-st and was uniteil in inarriaKc with Miss Caro- 



and ability have procuretl him several offices, the 
ihities of which have always been faithfully jHrr- 
fornied. He is nunilH.-red among the honored 
j>ioneers of the aninty, for few have longer resided 
in this IfK-alitv than he. He now has a tjeautifid 



line, daughter of James and Deljorah Uurs<jn, of home, in which he has pas,scd the greater part of 



Strondsburg. Pa. Hy their union were lx)rn two 
children; George, who <lied in infancy of scarlet 
fever; and I%li/abcth. who was educated in Fox 
Lake Female College. She was marrietl April 
31, 1H80, to Hennan A. Briggs, son of Adam 
and Jane Briggs. They n(nv reside on the old 
lutmestead, where Mr. Briggs is extensively en- 
gaged in the breeding of jmre-blooded Percheron 
horses. Mrs. Hollinshcad, wife of imr subject, 
was calle<l to her fnial rest February 11, US90, at 
the age of eighty-six years, and her remains were 
interred in Spring Grove Cemetery of Delavan. 

In his iH)liiical views, Mr. Hollinshcad has long 
liecn a Republican and takes an active interest in 
the growth and snccx-.ss of his party. His wortli 



his life, and has a wide circle of friends, by whom 
he is highly esteemetl. His life has lieen a use- 
ful, honorable and upright one, and is in many 
respects well worthy of emulation. 

The Hiillinshcad home in early days was a 
rendezvous for all newcomers to this section of 
country. Their little cabin, together with the 
wagons around it, sometimes housed and shel- 
tered as many as thirty-.seven jieople. Mr. Hol- 
linshead was once offered a pair of boots for two 
hundred and sixty-nine pounds of pork — nice 
smoked ham at that. He took the boots. He 
sold pork for a cent and a-half, and wages were 
corresjwndingly low with the cost of living. 



c. V. WKicirr. 



El' WKU'.HT. who follows farming on .se-c- 
tion 17, Walworth Township, claims New 
Vork as the Slate of his nativity, his birth 
lia\ing occurred in Fultonham, May 22, 1.S50. 
His parents were James Har\'ey and Ivliza M. 
(Tomi)kinsi Wright. The father was born in 
Albany County, N. V., was reared to nianho<Kl 
upon a farm in that locality, and then engage<l in 
agricidtnr;>i ])ursuits for himself He contiiuied 
to make his home in the Fmpire Stale until iSsy, 
when he emigrateil westward and t«x)k up his 
residence in Walworth County, Wis. Here he 
purchase<l the farm now owned l>y our subject, 
and made his home thereon until his death, which 
(Kvnrrcd at the age of sixl> -eight years. He held 
meniliershii) with the Metiuxlist Church, and was 
a Rejuiblican in jKilitics. He lived a (|uiet and 
unas.suming life, but his fellow-town.smen recog- 



nized his sterling worth., and held him in high re- 
gard. In the Wright family were three children: 
Clarence P. of this .sketch; ICmerson J., a pros- 
perous farmer now living in Walworth Township; 
and Marietta, wife of H. li. Powers, an agricnl- 
lurist of the same connnunity. Mrs. Wright, 
mother of our subject, was born in New Vork, 
and was called to the home beyond at the age of 
sixty years. Her mother came from Holland. 
l)Ut her father was of English extraction. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
spent the first eight years of his life in the ICmi>ire 
Stale, and then accompanied his jiareiils on their 
removal to Wisconsin, where he grew to manho(Kl, 
his lime being passed in the usual manner of 
farmer lads. His early education, actjuired in 
the connnon .schools, was supplemented by study 
in the academy at Walworth, and he thus gaine<l 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



a good knowledge of the common branches and 
some of the sciences. By reading, he keeps well 
informed on the issues of the day, being always 
conversant with leading questions. 

On attaining his majority, Mr. Wright left 
home and went to Chicago, where he was em- 
ployed as a conductor on the West Side Street 
Railway for about three years. On the expira- 
tion of that period, he returned to Walworth 
County, where he has since made his home. 
During the greater part of the time he has fol- 
lowed farming, and is now successfully engaged 
in agricultural pursuits. He owns and operates 



sixty-three acres of land, a part of the old home 

farm which he inherited from his father. 

On March 8, 1876, Mr. Wright was united in 
marriage with Miss Sarah M. Paunder, of Wal- 
worth County, who died in June, 1888, leaving 
four children: Roy, who is now at home; and 
Mabel, Marion and Myrtle, who are attending 
school in Delavan, Wis. Mr. Wright is a mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church, and, socially, is con- 
nected with Delavan Lodge No. 121, A. F. & 
A. M. He exercises his right of franchise in 
support of the Republican party, but has never 
had time or inclination for public office. 



SEYMOUR N. HATCH. 



(pEYMOUR N. HATCH, who resides on sec- 
/N tion 15, Linn Township, is numbered among 
\~/ the honored pioneers of Walworth County, 
dating his residence here from 1842. In the years 
which have come and gone since that time, he has 
witnessed almost the entire growth and develop- 
ment of the county, and has also aided in its ad- 
vancement and improvement, always bearing his 
part in public work. He was born in Leroy, 
Genesee County, N. Y., April 12, 181 7, His 
father, Har\rey Hatch, was born in Vermont in 
1792, and was a .son of Timothy and Abigail 
Hatch, who were also natives of the Green Moun- 
tain State. The family removed to New York 
when Harvey was about twenty-three years of 
age, locating upon a farm in Genesee County. 
In 1816 the father of our subject was united in 
marriage with Miss Amy Seymour, a native of 
Pompey, which town was famous as the birth- 
place of many noted people. Her father, Zadeck 
Seymour, was a Revolutionary hero, and died at 
the age of seventy-five years. 

Soon after his marriage Mr. Hatch removed to 
Leroy, Genesee Count}-, where he engaged in 
farming until 1846, when he removed to Sturgis, 
Mich. His death there occurred at the age of 



sevent)--one years. His first wife passed away 
in 1837, aged forty-one years. One of her sisters 
reached the advanced age of ninety, and another 
was ninety-eight years at the time of her death. 
The last-named, when ninety-six years of age, 
wrote a ver}- interesting article on her recollec- 
tions of Pompey, N. Y. Mr. Hatch married for 
his second wife Sarepta Lyman, by whom he had 
one child, Helen. Mrs. Sarepta Hatch died in 1862. 
In the Hatch family were eight children: Seymour 
N. of this sketch: Harvey, who died at the age of 
sixty-.six years: Clara, who married Charles Mor- 
gan, and died in 1843: Emily, who afterward mar- 
ried Charles Morgan, and died in January, 1894; 
Amy, twin .si,ster of Emily, who married Samuel 
Kelsey, and died in June, 1893: Elizabeth, de- 
ceased, wife of William Osborn: Julia, wife of 
Grosvenour Seal's, of Harvard, 111.: and Helen, 
wife of Spencer Leigton. 

On attaining his majority, S. N. Hatch made a 
trip to the West, and visited Walworth County, 
where he permanently located in 1842. He pur- 
cha.sed one hundred and sixty acres of land on 
.sections 15 and 4, and has always followed farm- 
ing. As his financial resources increased, he has 
also made other purchases, and now has seven 



236 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



liundred acres. For some time he was quite ex- 
tensively engaRed in tlairyiiiK and in raising hogs 
and cattle, hut is now practically living retired, 
while his son Hohart manages the farm. Thirt>- 
fine milch cows are kept for dairy purp<ises, and 
this branch of the hu.sine.ss .has proved a fairly 
profitable one. 

Mr. Hatch was married March 30. 1845, the 
lady of his choice being Miss Mary Stoneall, a 
native of luigland, and a daughter of Richard 
Sloiieal. She was also an early settler of Wal- 
worth County, and could tell of many eiijoynR-nts 
and sorrows in a new c<»untry. Her death oc- 
curred Novemlx-r 29, 1887. Eight children were 
iKirii to them, of whom six arc now living: Lou- 



isa, wife of Isaac Morehouse, a fanner of Geneva 
Township; Norman, who is living in Linn Town- 
ship: Emily, at home: Harvey, alsoof Linn Town- 
ship; and Mary and Hobart, at home. 

In early life Mr. Hatch was a Democrat, but 
when the Republican party was formed he joined 
its ranks, and has since been a .stalwart supporter 
of its principles. He ser\-ed as Assessor for a 
few years, and has al.so been Supen-isor. He 
takes a commendable interest in everything per- 
taining to the welfare of the community, and is 
recogni/ed as one of the valued citizens of the 
county, where for more than half a century he 
has made his home. 



WILLIA.M lli:.\I)KlCK \ AN VELZblR. 




II.I.IA.M lUCNDKICK. \ AX VKLZIvR is 
now the oldest settler of Walworth County, 
and this hi.storj- would be incomplete with- 
out .1 sketch of his life, for no one is more familiar 
with the experiences of frontier life in Wisconsin, 
or has taken a more active interest in the growth 
and development of this locality. He was born 
in Chautaucpia County, X. V., April 23, 1S33, 
and is a son of Philander and Prudence (Matte- 
MHi ) \'an X'elzer, natives of New York. The 
graiidfathcr, William Henry Van X'elzer, was 
iKirii in the limpire State, and was of Dutch lin- 
eage, l)eing descended from one of two brothers 
who came from Holland to .\merica, and took up 
their residence on Long Island. The name was 
originally X'elzer, but after coining to the Xew 
XX'orld the i)refix of X'an was added. The grand- 
father was a merchant and hotel -kceix-r, and built 
two large hotels in L(K'kjK)rt, X. V. In i8-^s he 
removed to Illinois, locating near Chicken Grove, 
where he imrcha.scd a large fanu, on which his 
wife died. His death otvurred in De Kalb, 111., 
at the age of eighty seven years. In their family 
were three children. The maternal grandfather. 



Hendrick .Mallesuii, was a native of N^ew York, 
and there spent his entire life as a farmer. 

The father of our subject became one of the 
honored pioneers of XX'alwortli County. He was 
married in his !iati\e State, and with his family 
started westward, settling for a short time in 
Chicken Grove. 111. In April, 1S36, they came 
to XX'alwortli Couiitw and located on the present 
.site of Lake Geneva. The lake was formerly 
called Big Foot Lake, .so named by the Goveni- 
ment Surv'eyor, who, it was said, was the first 
wliite man that ever saw thai body of water. 
Mr. X'aii \'clzer took up a farm at the foot of the 
lake, comprising one hundred and .sixty acres of 
wild land, for which he paid to the Government 
$1.25 per acre. His first home was a log cabin, 
but about three years later lie built a frame house 
a half-mile east of the cabin home. His fanu he 
improved, but after a time he sold fifty -eight acres 
of it. He then built a third residence, a half- 
mile east of his second home, and there reared 
his family. He arrived in Wi.scon.sin long before 
its admission to the I'nioii, and saw it in its wild 
and unimproved condition. On his emigration 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



227 



he was accompanied by Wells Warren and his 
family, and his brother, Cornelius VanVelzer, 
who is now living on the farm with his nephew 
George, in Walworth Township. Mr. Van Vel- 
zer continued farming until his death, which oc- 
curred' at the age of fifty-five years. His wife sur- 
vived him a few years, when she too was called 
to the home beyond. He was a Universalist in 
religious faith, and she was a Methodist. 

To this worthy couple were born ten children, 
five sons and five daughters, of whom eight are 
yet living, namely: William H. of this .sketch; 
Harriet, wife of Earl Crowfoot, of Delavan, Wis.; 
George, who is living in Walworth Town.ship; 
Mar}' Jane, wife of John Beemsley, of Delavan; 
Ansel, who makes his home in Clinton Junc- 
^tion; Washington, of Delavan; Sarah Janet, wife 
of John Berrj-; and Ferdinand, who is also living 
in Delavan. Orcelia is deceased. 

Our subject was a child of only three jears 
when his parent}- came to Walworth County, 
where he has since made his home. In the usual 
manner of farmer lads the days of his boyhood 
and youth were pa.ssed, and early in life he was 
inured to the arduous labor of developing a farm. 
On the 28th of September, 1856, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Sarah Crowfoot, daughter 
of Sylvester and Caroline (Root) Crowfoot, who 
were natives of the Empire State. Five children 



have been born of this union. Cora died at the 
age of one year. Henrietta is the wife of Zaver 
Bashaw, of Lake Geneva, and to them have been 
born four children: Clarence, P'rank, Ethel and 
Essie. Harriet Belle is the wife of Albert Trum- 
blee, of Genoa Junction, by whom .she has three 
children; Florence, Bertie and Beulah. Edith is 
the wife of Harry Van Slyke, of Lake Geneva, 
and they have one child, Neta; and Maud com- 
pletes the family. 

Mr. Van Velzer is a member of the Odd Fellows' 
fraternity and of the Temple of Honor. He exer- 
cises his right of firanchise in support of the 
Democracy. He and his uncle Cornelius are the 
oldest male residents in Walworth County. He 
has witnessed its entire development from the 
time when it was inhabited by Indians and wild 
animals, bears, panthers, wolves, deer and game 
of all kinds. At that time the grass grew about 
seven feet tall, and afforded hiding-places for all 
kinds of game. In the fall the Indians would 
set fire to it and burn it for miles and miles, and the 
people were obliged to burn a tract around their 
homes in order to protect them from the fire. 
Mr. Van Velzer has experienced all the hardships 
and trials of pioneer life, has .seen the wild lands 
transformed into beautiful homes and farms, and 
has ever borne his part in the work of develop- 
ment and improvement. 



GEORGE W. FARRAR. 



^EORGE W. FARRAR has for almost twenty 
l_l years resided upon his farm on section 35, 
^4 Delavan Township. He there owns a valu- 
able tract of land of two hundred and ten acres, 
which is neat and thrifty in appearance, for the 
fields are well tilled, the fences are well kept, and 
everything about the place is in good repair. 
There may be seen good buildings, together with 



the latest improved machinery and all the ac- 
cessories of a model farm. 

Mr. Farrar was born in St. Lawrence County, 
N. Y., July 7, 1840, and when a boy of fourteen 
summers came with his parents to Wisconsin. 
The family is of English origin. His father, 
Henry Farrar, was born in Norfolk, England, in 
1804, and in that country was married to Miss 



338 



Jemima Hawes. also a native of Norfolk. In 
i«35 they crossed the Atlantic to America. They 
became the parents r,f twelve children. John wlio 
now resides in Wayne Conntv. X. V.; Tini..thy 
H., who is living in In.liana; Ann. now the wife 
"I I- rank Di.xon. who makes his home in Delavan- 
Jane, wife of RoU-rt Cheney, who is living in La 
Fayette, Walworth Conntv, Wis. : George W of 
this sketch: Kli/alKHh, wife of James Clark' of 
Nora Springs. Iowa; Mar>-, wife of J„hn Clark 
who IS l,x.,ted in Rock Connty. Wis.; Sarah, who 
<l<e<I,an,l w.is l.urie.l in Geneva Town.ship- Marin 
wife of A. n. Myers, of Milw..ukee: Kli/a, wife of 
J. Harnman, of .MJIwankee. William Henrv, who 
Huh and was bnried in St. Lawrence Conntv 
N V: an<l Hattie, wife of Theo,lore Stearns of 
I.a 1-ayette Township, Walworth Connt> . 

The gentleman whose name hea.Is this record 
remained at home nntil twenty two vears of age 
and then resjK.nded to the conntrvs call for troops' 
enhslmg on the 2..st of August. ,H62. as a men,; 
ber of Company I, Twenty-eighth Wisconsin In- 
rantr>- Me serve.l throughout the remainder of 
he war, an.l hd.l the office of .Second Sergeant 
In January. ,.S6.v he went to Helena. Ark an.l 
then on an e.v.Kditiou under (;en. Gorman up the 
\\ hue R.ver, returning on the .5th of Januarv 
)n the 24th of Fehruarj- he joined the Va.oo 
I ass exM.tion, and in April returned to Helena 
<>■' the 4th of July a hot engagement took place 
... which the odds seemed fearft.lh again.st the 
I nion fi,rcc^, b„t the result was favorahle. Our 
forces k.llc.l and wounded more than their own 
nimt,e-r „. the engagemeiit-<jne of the notal.le 
lacts of the war. 

On the nth of Augu.st. Mr. Larrar and his 
companj. jonie.l the ex,K-<lition that was to ca - 

ur^LmleR..k. and affer this was accompliS. 
hc.rnex ser^•Kx■ was at Ik-nton and Rockport 
>.. the 7thof X.,veml.r, i^r,,, they were ordered 

ol'meHlnff,Ark...andonthe,othofMarc 
864. wc..t on the expclition up the Saline River' 

-ft he gallant Hng.-Gen. Powell Clavton I„ 
Apnl.is.4, the regiment again returned tllpi 
"!' tlu .S,d„,e R.ver, and thence to I.ittle Rock 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI^RECQRD. 



where they remained until Fehmarv i ,864 
when the regiment was nrdere.l to New 6deans' 
O" the .Sth of March it went to Port Morgan' 
where it was attached to the Thirteenth Arm^ 
Corps, under Gen. Gordon Granger, and took 
part ,„ the battle of Spanish Fort. A hot fight 

ensued, which coutinue.l thirteen davs, and on the 
"ight of the fourtc-cnth day the capture was ac- 
complishe..l. On the ,th of April occurred the 
'attle and capture of Ft. HIakely. after which 
lJie>- were ordered back to Mobile Ilav The 
Tweut> -eighth Wisconsin ^vas then sent up the 
..mbigbee River alx.ut one hundred miles J,, 
Apnl ,sr,s. Gen. Ue surrendered his armv to 
(^eu. Grant, and on the .3d of May the regiment 
returned to Mobile, whence it was ordcL 
Snn lago. Tex. . and thence to Brownsville, where 
".. the .,d of Augu,st, they were mu.stered out o? 
."^rvice. 

On the ..sth of Augu.st Mr. Farrar boarded a 
steamer northward bound, and on the 326 of Sep- 
eml>cr he was honorably di.scharged at Madison 
^V -s. He was ,„ the service for more than three 
.V ears, and was ever a valiant defender of the Old 
Hag and the cau.se it represented. He wen^ 
hrough neariy all the experiences and hardship 
<" nny 1-^. vet was never .sick in the ho.spital 
nnc was always found at his post of dutv, Ltl 
fully performing the ta.sk allotted to him ' 

On the ,,thof February, r866, Mr. Farrar 
was united ,u marriage with Mi.ss Esther Short 
••'■;•"- "rOt.sego County. X. V., and three 
c u dren were born of their union: Elsie, wife 
"1 George Hickson, of Dela^•an Township: and 
Austin and Elva, at home. Since his marriage 
Mr. Farrar has devoted his time and attention to 
aKr.cultural pursuits and has met with goc^Hu 
cess in Ins undertakings, .securing therebv a com- 
fortable competence. On April.. ,888: he as 
called upon to mourn the I0...S of his wife, who was 
laid to rest in East Delavan Cen.eterv 

Our subject is identified with the Republican 
party, which he has snp,K,rted since ca.'i^^ 
first PresKlential vote. He is a member of the 
Hoard of Su,K-rvi.sors of Delavan Township, and 
;.v the prompt and faithful discharge of the . uties 
cl-olvingupcmhim.hehaswonthecommenda 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



233 



tion of all concerned. Socially, he is a member of 
the Grand Army of the Republic, and of Olive 
Branch Lodge No. 9, I. O. O. F. He is true to 
ever\- trust reposed in him, whether public or 



private, and manifests the same loj'altj' in days of 
peace as when he wore the blue and followed the 
Stars and Stripes on southern battlefields. 



SALMON G. ARNOLD. 



^ALMON G. ARNOLD, one of Sharon's most 
^\ highly respected citizens, has for man)- years 
l*y been one of the leading and influential men 
of Walworth Count}-. Being both widely and 
favorably known, we feel assured that the record 
of his life will prove of interest to our readers. 
The family is of English origin, and was founded 
in America by three brothers who came from Eng- 
land to the United States in early Colonial days, 
one settling in Rhode Island, another in Massa- 
chusetts, and the third in Coiniecticut. The la.st- 
named was the great-grandfather of our subject. 
Luther Arnold, father of our subject, was born 
in Pollock, Rutland Count)-, \'t., in October, 
1789, was there reared, and then removed to Hub- 
bardton, Vt. He owned the ground on which was 
fought the battle of Hubbardton, during the Revo- 
lutionan- W^ar. He was a soldier of the War of 
1 8 12, serving with di.stinction in that struggle, 
and after its close he returned to his farm, where 
he re.sided until his emigration to Walworth 
County, in 1850. He was married in \^ermont 
to Mary Prouty, and four children graced their 
union: Luther, Faj^ette, William and Salmon G. 
Luther made his home in Glens Falls, N. Y., 
where for many 3-ears he edited a paper, and 
served as County Superintendent of Schools of 
Warren Count}-. In 1868 he came West on a 
\-isit, and after a brief illness died at the home of 
his brother Salmon, on the 28th of Jaiuiary- of 
that year. Fayette came to Walworth County in 
1850, and the other brothers came in 1851, all 
making their homes in Sharon Township. The 



father resided upon his farm in this county until 
his death, which occurred March 26, 1856. His 
wife passed away March 9, 1861. 

Mr. Arnold whose name heads this record was 
born in Hubbardton, Rutland County, Vt., July 
15, 1820, and when six months old was taken by 
his parents to Washington Count)', N. Y., where 
he grew to manhood, working on a farm through 
the summer months, while in the winter season 
he attended school. During his winter vacations 
he engaged in threshing grain on the old barn 
floor with a flail. On attaining his majoritv, he 
embarked in farming for himself in Washington 
County. There, in 1848, was celebrated his mar- 
riage with Ann Eliza Hotchkiss, who was born 
in Hampden, Washington County, N. Y., May 
II, 1826. She is a daughter of Chester Hotch- 
kiss, who spent his entire life in that county, dying 
at the age of about forty years. Her mother, who 
bore the maiden name of Betsy Gillette, died in 
Sharon, Wis., March 31, 1884, at the age of 
seventy years. In the Hotchkiss family were 
.seven children: Ann Eliza, now Mrs. Arnold; 
Hiilda, wifeof Alva Wilkins; Rufus; Ruel: Hiram; 
David and Mrs. Susan Searles. All came to 
Walworth County except Hiram, who is now li\-- 
ing in Rutland County, \'t., and all are yet living 
except Ruel, who died in Adams County, Wis. 

Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Arnold: 
Mary, wife of N. Davis, of Watertown, S. Dak. ; 
Maria, wife of H. Wilcox, of \'inton, Iowa; Alice, 
wife of Jonas Wi.se, of vSharon; Luther, who mar- 
ried Minnie Brighani, and lives in Sharon; and 



234 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Willard. who married Nettie Wolcott. of Sharon, 
and makes Ijis liome in Chira^n Lntlit-r Arnold 
ha> three sons, I)on^;las. Willard and Harold. 

When Mr. Arnold came to Walworth Comity 
in 1H51, he selwtitl for his home a farm near 
South Grove, a small village containing; a jwst- 
officc, store^, antl a blacksmith aiul waRon shop. 



.ser\'ed as Justice of the Peace, and was Postmaster 
of South (^rove for s(Mne time. He has always 
lived a quiet life, lx.'ing of a retiring dis|Misition, but 
all who know him attest his tme worth and hold 
him in hi>;li esteem. He and his wife have recently 
met with the severest affliction of their lives. 
in the death of a Ix'loved tjranddaughter, Alice 



When the Northwi-stern Railroad was built, and Pearl, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wise, who pas,sed 

the village of Sharon starteil. South Grove ceased away at the age of twelve summers. She was a 

to exist. Mr. Arnold has succeeded in his busi- jjcculiarly gifted and lovable child, of a sweet 

ncss undertakings, and !>> his welldirected efforts and tender dis]>osition, was the idol of her grand- 

ac<|uire<l a handsome com]K-tence. which now eiia- i>arenls, and an almost constant companion of her 

bles him to live rctire<l. In 1874, he built ares- grandfather. She won the affection of all who 

idence in Sharon, and in their l)eautiful and com- knew her. and her lo.ss was a ])eculiarly .s;ul one, 

fortable home he and his wife have since spent bringing to i)arents and grand]iarents an almost 

their days. In |)olitics he is a Republican, has inconsolable grief. 



AlU-L W. lllAin'. 



(S\ I'll. W IIlvNRV, who is now the owner of 
I I a fine farm of two hundred and eighty-eight 
/ I acres on sections 10 and 1 1. Walworth Town- 
ship, where he has a l)eautiful home, isnumlxrretl 
among the pioneer settlers of the county, having 
since an early <lay reside<l in this U)cality. His 
life has Ijcen well and worthily sjient, and has 
therefore gaine<l for him the high regard of man\ 
wann friends, whom we feel assured will receive 
with interest this rec<ird of his life. 

A native of the Kmi>ire State, Mr. Henry was 
lK>rn in the city of I.ock]H)rt. N. V.. on the 29th 
of February, 1828. and is the tenth in a family of 
thirteen children who.se i)arents were Welcome 
and Hetsy (Malory) Henry. His father was Iwrn 
in RhiKle Islan<l, was reared u]K>n a fann in that 
State, and when a young man of twenty vears ac- 
com]>anie<l his parents on their emigration to New 
York. They were also natives of Rhode Island, 
and were of German extraction. The grandfather 
resi«)nde<l to the call for volunteers in the War for 
Inde|)en<lence, an<l valiantly aided the Colonies in 
their endeavor to throw off the v<»ke of Hritish 



tyrann> . In New York Welcome Henry was 
united in marriage with Miss Malory, who was of 
English ile.scent. He embarked in fanning, and 
carried on agricultural pursuits until 1840, when 
he emigrated westward to the Territory of Wis- 
consin, locating in R<x-k County. Three years 
later he removed to Jefferson Count\ , pur- 
chased a tract of timber-land, and thereon made 
his home until his death, which (xxnirred at the 
advancetl age of ninet>-two years. His wife 
])as.sed awa\- in the same county, at the age 01 
eighty-three. 

Aljel W. Henry began life for himself at the 
early age c)f fcmrteen years, and has since made 
his own way in the world, so that whatever suc- 
cess he has achieved is due entirel\- to his own ef- 
forts. He Ix-gan earning his livelihood by working 
as a farm iiand by the month, and also learned the 
cari)enter's trade, which he followed until 1850. 
In that year, attracted by the discovery of gold in 
California, he made pre])arations togoto the West, 
and with teams cros.sed the plains to the Pacific 
Slope. For .six years he engage<l in mining at 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



235 



Downersville, and was quite successM in his un- 
dertakings, accumulating a considerable compe- 
tence. He then returned to Wisconsin, and for 
eight years worked in a sawmill, and supported 
his parents. On the expiration of that period he 
came to Walworth Countj^ and purchased the 
farm on which he now resides. 

On the 12th of September, 1858, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Henn- and Miss Hannah 
Scollard, of Palmyra, Wis. Their union has been 
blessed with five children, all .sons: Charles, who 
carries on agricultural pursuits in Walworth 
Township; Willie and Adrian, who follow farm- 
ing in this county: and Frank and George, who 



are still at home. The family reside in their 
commodious residence in Walworth Township, 
which is situated in the midst of a highlj' cul- 
tivated and finely improved farm. 

For over thirty years Mr. Henry has been a 
member of the Ma.sonic fraternity, and since the 
organization of the Republican party has been one 
of its supporters. He served as Chairman of the 
Board of Supervisors of his town.ship for one term, 
but has never sought or desired political prefer- 
ment, wishing rather to give his entire time and 
attention to his business interests. He deserves 
great credit for his success in life, and may truly be 
called a self-made man. 



JOHN CARTER. 



(TOHN CARTER, deceased, was one of the 
I most highly respected and prominent citi- 
O zens of Walworth County. He was born in 
Oxford, England, January' 13, 1806, and there 
acquired his education. When a young man he 
learned the carpenter's trade, and was the in- 
ventor and manufacturer of the board-plane, now 
in general use. On attaining his majority he de- 
termined to seek a home in the New World, for 
he had heard much of its advantages and privi- 
leges, and hoped to better his financial condition 
b)- emigrating thereto. It was in 1827 that he 
crossed the Atlantic and located in New York 
City, where he remained until 1832, when he re- 
moved to Albany, N. Y. 

Mr. Carter was united in marriage with Miss 
Aim Pentecost, who was born in Somerset, Eng- 
land, in 1812, and came with her parents to 
America when a maiden of fifteen sunmiers. For 
several years our subject worked at his trade in 
Troy, N. Y. , and then removed to Glendale, N. Y. , 
where he followed farming until 1847. That 
year witnessed his arrival in Walworth County, 
Wis. He located on a farm in the town of Dar- 
ien, two and one-half miles from Delavan, and 



began the development and improvement of his 
land, which he transformed into rich and fertile 
fields, and upon which he spent his remaining 
days. 

Mr. and Mrs. Carter became the parents of 
twelve children: Sophia, deceased; Emeline, wife 
of David Marcellus, who is living in Sandwich, 
111.; Susie L., of Delavan; Ellen, decea.sed; 
Arthur, who married Miss Jennie Fields, and re- 
sides in Aberdeen, Miss.; Hannah, wife of Rob- 
ert Dunbar, a resident of Lafayette, Walworth 
County; Oliver P., who married Mi.ss Alice 
Wheeler, of Minneapolis, Minn., where they re- 
side with their two beautiful children, Man,-, 
aged fourteen, and Ellen, eleven years of age; 
Benjamin Franklin, decea.sed; Wallace, who 
married Miss Anna Locke, and is living in North 
Branch, Minn.; Julia, wife of Richard Shimmins, 
of Darien Town.ship; and Orin and Emily, both 
deceased. 

John Carter was a man of more than ordinary 
ability, and lived an exemplary life. In manner 
he was quiet and unassuming, yet was always 
faithful to his duties, and was ever ready to ex- 
tend a helping hand to a friend in need. The 



236 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1j€sI interests of the coiiimiiiiity always received professional life. He has received a practical 
his siipiKirt, and he did all in his power for the training fron> his uncle, Oliver P. Carter, a suc- 
advancenuMit of those cntLr]>rises calciilate<l to cessful and wealthy business man of Miinieapo- 



jirove of pnhlii- U-nefit. His entire life in Wis- 
consin was spent on the old homestead fann in 
Darien Townshij), and there his death (X-curreti 
Jui\ ^>, 1.H76. S<K)n after, the old farm was sold, 
and Mrs. Carter and her daughter, Susie L-, the 
uiilv child >.till at home, removed to Delavan. 
where the latter yet resides with her nephew, 
Norton, the oidy child of her brother, B. F. Car- 
ter. Norton Carter completed his education at 
the State I'niversity <if Minnesota, at Minneapo- 
lis, and is well tpialifie<l for either a business or 



lis, and a bright future seems opening l>efurc him. 
Mrs. Carter was called to her final rest Octo- 
Inrr 21, 1.S93, and her remains were interred in 
Spring Grove Cemetery, of Delavan, by the side 
of her husband. The.\ were early settlers of 
Walworth County, and their sterling worth and 
many excellencies of character won them the 
high regard of all. Their names should not be 
omitte<l from the hi.story of their adopted county, 
for tlie>- were well worthy of representation 
among its best citizens. 



)C)11.\ W. MALI 



31 )!IN W. HAM, istheownerofHall Park, one 
■ il the most Ix-autiful summer resorts of Wal- 
uurth County. It is situated on Delavan 
I^ike, and on the hill overlooking the water he 
has erected a commodious and pleasant hotel, 
where through the summer he entertains many 
guests. Mr. Hall is a native of Canada, his birth 
having txxnirred in Montreal, on the 15th of July, 
1S4S. His father, Rol)ert Hall, was a native of 
Ireland, an<l when a young man emigrated to 
Canada, where he engageil in the jiraclice of med- 
icine, and also followed shi])-l)uilding for a time. 
He accpiired a most excellent education, and sjxjke 
fluently the French, Italian and German lan- 
guages as well as the Knglish tongue. He also 
traveled cpiite extensively over luirope, the I'niled 
Slates, Canada and South America, gaining much 
interesting information concerning the various 
places he visited. He was three times married, 
his thirti union Ix-ing with Margaret Hill, who 
was lK)rn in Canada, and was of French descent. 
Their wedding was celebrated in Muntreal, and 
they l)ecame the parents n( fifteen children. One 
daughter, Margaret, l>ecame the wife of Chauncey 
I, .'sage, and is living in Delavan. A si>n, Henry, 



is living in Chicago, and Roliert makes his home 
in southern Illinois. Another daughter, Mar>', is 
the wife of S. W. King. Annie is the wife of 
George King, of Madi.son County, Neb., where 
another son, Charles, and his mother are also 
living. The death of Dr. Hall occurred in Mad- 
ison County, Neb., in October, 1874. He .served 
as a Captain in the War of 1812, was twice 
wounded, and carried two bullets in his bo<ly 
throughout his life. 

John W. Ilall was only six years of age when, 
with the family, he came to Walworth Count)-, 
Wis. They lived for a time in Delavan, and then 
removed to Janesville, where they sjient two years, 
after which they became residents of Milwaukee, 
where they resided for .seven years. On the ex- 
piration of that i>eriod they again came to Dela- 
van, and since that time our subject has made his 
home in this place. In November, 1.S63, prompted 
by ])alriotic impulses, he resjionded to the coun- 
try's call for troops, and became a member of the 
Union Army, serving in the Second Wi.sconsin 
Cavalrj-. He participated in the battles of Prairit- 
Grove, Pea Ridge and Little Rock, and was under 
Maj. Gen. Greirson in his famous raid from 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



237 



Memphis, Tenn., across the country to \'icks- 
burg. Miss. During this raid there were many 
skinnishes and running fights. Mr. Halle.scaped 
injury, and was mustered out on the expira- 
tion of his tenu of .service, liaving been excused 
from duty only one day during the entire time. 
He received his discharge at Austin, Tenn., No- 
vember 15, 1865, and at once returned to Dela- 
van. 

Mr. Hall then visited Nebraska, Colorado and 
Dakota, .spending four years in the West, and on 
his return he was united in marriage with Miss 
Clarissa Tucker, the wedding being celebrated on 



the nth of October, 1869. They have one 
child, Clara Belle, who was born July 24, 1871. 
Atjout thirteen \"ears ago thej- removed to their 
farm on Dela\'an Lake, and, building a dwelling, 
Mr. Hall engaged in keeping boarders for a few 
>ears. He then erected the hotel of which he is 
now proprietor, one of the best in this section of 
the countrw Tliere the guests are made to feel 
at home, and Mr. Hall carefully looks after their 
interests. His considerate attention, and the many 
advantages for rest and plea.sure there afforded, 
have made the park a favorite re.sort for summer 
visitors. 



JOHN L. WYCKOFF. 



(TOHN L. WYCKOFF, deceased, was for many 
I years a representative citizen of Walworth 
Q) County, having located here at an early day 
in the histor}' of the community. He was born 
on the nth of November, 1808, in Charlestown, 
Montgomery County, N. Y., and grew to man- 
hood under the parental roof, spending the days of 
his boyhood in the usual manner of farmer lads. 
His father, Henry V. Wyckoff by name, was a 
minister in the Dutch Reformed Church. The 
name of his wife was Nellie Schenck, and they 
were married April 20, 1797. 

After leaving home Mr. Wyckofifbegan clerking, 
being employed as a salesman both in New York 
City and in Albany. In that way he acquired 
the capital which enabled him to embark in bu.si- 
ness for himself Upon his father's death he re- 
turned home and took charge of the farm, which 
he operated until 1841, when he determined to 
trj- his fortune in the West. Making his wa)- to 
the territory of W^isconsin, he chose W'al worth 
County as the scene of his future labors, and cast 
in his lot with the early settlers of Walworth 
Township. 

Before coming to the West, Mr. Wyckoff was 
married. On the 6th of October, 1S40, he wed- 



ded Hannah Pettit, of New York, who died March 
26, 1848, leaving a family of four children: Mary 
E., who now resides in Oshkosh, Wis.; Eliza 
Pettit, widow of W. ,Spooner, of Kansas; Char- 
lotta vS., who is now deceased; and Hannah, wife 
of James Johnson, a resident of Kan.sas. 

On the 20th of July, 1852, Mr. Wyckoff was 
again married, his second union being with Miss 
Anna Thornton Smith, who was born Januarj- 24, 
1826, and was a daughter of Daniel and Harriet 
( Freeman ) .Smith. Her father was a native of 
\^ermont, and was reared upon a farm in the 
Green Mountain State. When a young man he 
removed to New York, where he was married. He 
followed farming there until 1847, in which year he 
came to Walworth County, Wis. Here he pur- 
chased a tract of wild land, and in 1848 he was 
joined by his family. He successfully carried on 
agricultural pursuits until 1875, when he left tlie 
farm, and .spent his remaining days in Walworth 
County and New York, living a retired life. Hi.s 
death occurred in Warsaw, N. Y., but his remains 
were brought back and interred in the cemeter\- 
near his old home. He had served in the War of 
1812, and was a valued citizen of the community. 
The family to which he belonged was of English 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGR.\PHICAL RECORD. 



238 

extraction, but his parents were natives of \'er- 
niont. The mother of Mrs. Wyckoff was born and 
reared in tlie luupire State, and with her husband 
came to tl>e West . She was calletl to the home \ye- 
yond at the ajje I'f seventy seven years, and lier re- 
mains were interre<l in ICast Delavan Cemetery. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith were members of the 
Methinhst Ki)ise<>i)al Church in early life, but af- 
terward united with the Free-Will Baptist Church. 
All who knew then) respocted them for their ster- 
ling worth and strict integrity. 

With the excx-ption of two years pa.ssed in Del- 
avan, Mr. Wyckoff always lived upon the farm 
in Walworth County which he secured upon his 
removal here. The wild land was transformed 
into rich and fertile fields, and other improvements 
were made, until the place became one of the val- 
uable country homes of the neighborhood. Mr. 
and Mrs. Wyckoff have no children of their own. 



but adopted two, John P. Rivers and Julia Ken- 
neth- . The fonner reside<l with them from the 
age of two years. The latter has here made her 
home since a maiden of ten summers, and from 
Mrs. Wyckoff she has received the care and at- 
tention of a mother, to whom she gives the devo- 
tion and aid of a daughter. Mr. Wyckoff always 
took an active part in politics, and was a stanch 
supixjrter of Republican principles. He lielil 
membership with the Congregational Church, and 
died in that faith I)eceml)cr 20, 1S92. He was 
buried in Big Foot Cemetery, and throughout the 
community his loss was widely and deeply 
mourned. Mrs. Wyckoff is also a member of the 
Congregational Church, and is a mo.st estimable 
lady, her many excellencies of character having 
gained for her the warm regard of all who know 
her. 



LINLS 1). SHKPARl). 



I IMS 1) SHKPARI) was an early settler 
I C .md iirounneiit farmer of Walworth County, 
]^ whither he came in 1.S41. He was born in 
the t»)wn of Darien, Genesee County, N. Y., and 
was a son of John B. and Rachel (Willis) Shepard. 
who were of luiglisli and Holland descent. In 
their family were five children: Stephen H., a 
resident of Walworth County : Sabra, wifeof R. H. 
Bristol, who is living near Delavan; Ann A., who 
resides with her brother's family on the old home- 
stead; MaryS., wife of lulward Coleman, nf Del- 
avan; and Linus D., of this sketch. 

It was during his boyhootl that our subject 
came tn Wisconsin, and after attending the com- 
mon sch(H)ls, he became a student in the Delavan 
Seminary, of Delavan, there completing his edu- 
cation. His father died on the ,^1 of February, 
1875, and his mother i)a.s,sed away December 24, 
1872. They were laid to rest in Spring Grove 
Cemeter>-. Having arrived at years of maturity. 



I.. D. Shepard was united in marriage on the 4th 
of June. 1X7.^. the lady of his choice l>eing Miss 
Clarinda Z., daughter of Adiia Sawyer. She 
was boni in the town of Richmond, in Wal- 
worth County, March 29, 1852, and by their 
marriage were born .seven children, all of whom 
are yet at home. They are: John A., who 
was born .Ajiril S, 1S74; FAUiice R.,Januar\- 18, 
1S76; Alfred H., December 25, 1877; Ivarl L., 
August 20, 1879; Alice E., January 16, 1881: 
E.stherS., March 24, 1SS3; and Mabel ]•.., Novem- 
tM.-r I, 1S85. The eldest .son, John, now has 
charge of the home farm. He was educated in 
the Delavan High School, and the others are re- 
ceiving tlie same educational privileges. 

Linus D. Shepard followed farming throughout 
his entire life, and was the owner of a beautiful 
tract of land of eightv acres, on section 4, Dela- 
van Township. This he placed under a high 
state of cultivation, and upon it made many ex- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



239 



celleiit improvements. Good buildings were erect- 
ed, and all the accessories and conveniences of 
a model farm were added, so that the place has 
become one of the best in this locality. The 
owner was a man of high character, was always 
a friend in time of need, and was an enterprising 
and public-spirited citizen, who manifested a warm 
interest in everything pertaining to the welfare 
of the communit}-. He and his wife belonged to 



the Congregational Church, and, in politics, he 
was a Republican. For many years he lield the of- 
fice of vSchool Director, and the cause of education 
found in him a warm friend. His death resulted 
from an accident, on the 2i.stof May, i8go, and 
he was laid to rest in Spring Grove Cemetery. 
His life was an honorable and upright one, 
which gained him the refipect of all who knew 
him, and his loss was therefore deeply lamented. 



MARTIN LUTHER. 



y /I ARTIN LUTHER, who resides on .sections 
y 9 and 10, Sharon Tow-n.ship, where he owns 
(3 and operates two hundred and eighty acres 
of the fine farming land of Walworth County, was 
born in Watertown, Jefferson County, N. Y., 
July 15, 1821. His father, Aldridge Luther, was 
born and reared in Herkimer County, N. Y., and 
on both sides was of German descent. The Luther 
family was founded in America about one hun- 
dred and fifty years ago, one branch being e.stab- 
lished in Rhode Island, and the other in Ma.ssa- 
chusetts. The members of the latter emigrated 
to Jefferson County, N. Y., in an early day, where 
most of them followed farming, but Aldridge 
Luther became a shoemaker bj' trade. He mar- 
ried Sarah Dilly, and to them were born five chil- 
dren: Martin; Mary, who was the wife of E. 
Howe, and died in 1864, at her home in Jef- 
ferson County; Milton, who resides in Water- 
town, N. Y.; Sarah, wife of Curtis Hildreth, 
of Jefferson County, N. Y. ; and Martha, who 
died in 1847. The father of this family lived 
in Watertown from the age of twenty years, 
and there died in 1871, at the age of seventy-five. 
His wife passed away in 1890, at the advanced 
age of ninet}' years. The old home in New York 
is now occupied by Milton Luther. 

Mr. Luther of this sketch attended the public 
schools of Watertown until fourteen >'ears of age, 
when he entered his father's shoeshop. He be- 



gan work when a lad of twelve. Being in the 
shop one day, he asked his father for a dime, and 
the old gentleman replied that if he would sew on 
a patch he should have it. This the boy promptly 
did, and the work was so well done that the father 
encouraged him in it, and at the age of sixteen he 
had ))ecome a most expert workman. He was 
thus employed during the winter season, while 
during the summer months, from the age of four- 
teen, he followed farming. ,Since that time he has 
always carried on agricultural pursuits with good 
success. When quite young he began to take an 
agricultural paper, which he still reads, and thus 
has broadened his views and combined theory 
with practice. 

At the age of nineteen, Mr. Luther was joined 
in wedlock with Julia Delano, a native of Water- 
town, N. Y. He then purchased six acres of land, 
built a house, barn and shop, and followed both 
farming and shoemaking. About this time the 
doctrines of Charles Fourier were being taught in 
America, and Mr. Luther, with many others of 
the vicinity, becoming convinced of the feasibilitj' 
of the plans for the betterment of their conditions, 
formed an as.sociation, and those who had land 
deeded it to the society-, taking stock in lieu 
thereof For nearly two years this association 
continued to do business, and when the crash 
came Mr. Luther.with many others, found himself 
without means and without a home; Iiut, full of 



340 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



cncrfO' and hope, he started to retrieve his lost and three cliildreii, Blanche, Belle and Rose: and 



possessions. Having .saved a small sum, he de- 
termine<l to seek a home in Walworth Comity, 
Wis. , and with his wile and two children embarked 
on a ves-sel on I^Jike Ontario, j)a.s.sed throunh the 
Welland Canal, and on .icross the lakes to Racine, 
Wis., where they landeil at two o'clock on a 
stormy morniiiK, Sei)teml)er2.T, 1846. They were 
still fifty-five miles from their destination, Imt Mr. 
Luther made arr.-iii>;emeiils with I'eter Coojkt to 
take him to Walworth C«mnty, and two days later 
they fouiul Ihemselves at Topping's Corners. 
Our suliject at once t)egaii working at his trade 



Herlx.-rt, at home. The mother of this famil\ 
pas-sedaway Noveinl>er 8. 1892, at theageofsi.vtv - 
nine years. She was a woman of rare qualities of 
head and heart, a devoted wife and mother, and 
her loss was deeply inounied throughout the com- 
munity. 

Mr. Luther has always had a ta.ste for farming, 
and on purchasing his land he gave way to his 
inclinations and has developed tme of the finest 
farms of Walworth County. It is under a high 
state of cultivation, and upon it stands an elegant 
two-stor>- and basement dwelling, with large and 



for John Druse, a prominent and wealthy man of well-arranged rooms, tastefully furnished. There 



that day, who kept a hotel at what was known as 
Dnise's Corners, a-half mile .southeast of Darieii. 
After two years he e.stablished a shop of his own 
ill Darieii, where he continued busine.ss for niuc- 
teeii years. He also purcha.sed and cultivated a 
small farm. During the war he bought a stock 
of ready-made shoes and carried on a retail Iwot 
and shoe business. In 1865 he purchased one 
hundred and twenty acres of land on sections y 
and 10, Sharon Township, and added to it until 
he ha<l two hundred and eighty acres, of which 
lie has recently dee<led eighty acres to his .son. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Luther were Ixirii five chil- 
dren: Walter, who died at the age of nine years; 
Harriet, who died at the age of seventeen: l\lsie, 
who died at the age of fifteen; Milton, who is liv- 
ing on a farm near the old home.stead with his wife 



is a fine barn, one hundred and twenty eight by 
forty-eight feet, with ample stable room, and grain 
and hay lofts, and the other outbuildings are also 
iiKxlels of convenience. For many years he de- 
voted special attention to the breeding of thorough- 
l)red Jersey cattle, and for a numl)er of years car- 
ried on a large dair>', turning out great ipiantities 
of butter. 

In politics, Mr. Luther is a Prohibitionist, for 
his opinions on the temperance question are em- 
bodied in the platform of that party onh-. For 
three years he was the efficient .Supervisor of his 
town.ship. He is one of Walworth County's 
most successful farmers, and is an intelligent and 
leading citizen and a self-made man, who has justly 
won the prosperity which lias crowned his efforts. 



CNKIS (MUKCll 



EVUrS CHl'RCH has hniger l)een a resident 
i>( Walworth County than any other of its 
cili/ens. and this history, therefore, would be 
incom|)lete without the record of his life. He re- 
sides on section ri, Walworth Township. an<l 
there exjK-cts to sjK'iid his remaining da>s. He 
was lx)rii near New Haven, Conn., July 27, 1S17, 
and was the eldest in a family of four children. 



but with the excei)tioii of himself all are now de 
ceased. His jiarcnts were ICIijah and \'iolet 
( Holcomb) Church. His father was also a na- 
tive of Connecticut, and about 1S42 came to Wis- 
consin, locating on the farm which adjoins that be- 
lonj;iiig to our subject. From there he movetl to 
W(K)dstock, III.: then came again to Walworth 
County, where he spent his remaining days, his 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



241 



death occurring May 31, 1877, at the age of 
eight3--four. The family is of English extrac- 
tion, but at an early day in the history of this 
country was founded in America. The paternal 
grandfather of our subject, Uriah Church, was 
one of the heroes of the Revolution. Mi's. Church, 
mother of our subject, was born in Massachusetts, 
and died at the early age of twenty-eight years. 
She was also of English descent. 

When C\rus was four years of age his parents 
moved to Broome County, N. Y., and when he 
was sixteen moved from there to Trumbull Coun- 
ty, Ohio. He early became familiar with all the 
duties of farm life and to his father gave the ben- 
efit of his services until twenty years of age. At 
that time he came to the We.st, and, making his 
way on foot, journeyed to Geneva Lake, Wis., 
then known as Big Foot Lake, reaching his des- 
tination after fifteen days of travel. He followed 
the Indian trail from Chicago, and made his way 
across the prairie and through the timber to Wal- 
worth County. At that time Chicago was a mere 
hamlet, and there were only three cabins between 
that place and Lake Geneva. Jacob Sanders and 
James Van Slj'ke w'ere the only residents of this 
part of the county, the latter being the finst white 
settler of this locality. Mr. Church made a 
claim upon the land which he yet owns, and for a 
time lived in the family of Mr. Van Slyke. Chi- 
cago was the nearest post office for two years, but 
as the county became more thickly settled an 
office was established at Delavan Lake. He oft- 
en went to the office and paid twenty-five cents' 
postage on letters received. Some of these old 
letters he still retains. In 1838, Mr. Church 
built a small frame house, the second in the 
township, and began improving his land. Mr. 
vSanders and his family lived with him until the 
17th of December, 1843, when our subject was 
united in marriage with Miss Enieline Russell, 
who was born in Ohio, June 25, 1S26, and came 
with her brother to the territory of Wisconsin. 
She died June 25, 1854, leaving a family of five 
children. Delia, now the wifeof J. D. Clark, re- 
.sides in Illinois. Leonard owns the greater part 
of the old homestead which his father purchased 
from the Government. He enlisted in Company 



L, Third Wisconsin Cavalry, in October, 1861, 
although only about sixteen years of age, and 
continued in the service for three years and five 
months. He was very fortunate, in that he was 
never wounded or taken prisoner. He then re- 
turned home and engaged in the operation of the 
farm until 1870, when he embarked in the com- 
mis.sion business in Chicago, continuing in the 
.same for three years. From 1873 until 1886 he 
again carried on agricultural pursuits in Wal- 
worth Town.ship, and then was elected County 
Treasurer on the Republican ticket, filling the 
office for three terms of two j^ears each. He was 
married November 21, 1872, to Miss Adelina M. 
Porter, daughter of D. C. Porter, whose sketch 
appears elsewhere in this work, and unto them 
have been born five children: Wells D., Nannie I., 
Grace A., Hattie E. and Emeline A. The son 
and eldest daughter are both school teachers. 
Leonard Church formerly .served as Secretary of 
the County Republican Central Committee, but 
now devotes his entire time to farming and the 
dairy business. He has about ninety head of full- 
blooded Jersey cows and heifers upon his place. 
Hiram, the second son of the Church family, is a 
prominent farmer and .stock-dealer of Idaho. 
Eugene, who invented the Church Hay Carrier at 
the age of fifteen years, is a man of much genius, 
and resides in Harvard, 111. David is associated 
in business with his brother Hiram, of Idaho. 

After the death of his first wife, Mr. Church 
was again married, the lady of his choice being 
Miss Mar}- Boorman, who was born June 5, 1828, 
in Maidstone, England. During her girlhood 
.she came to America with her parents, who first 
settled in New York, and in the spring of 1838 
came to Wisconsin, where the father died at the 
age of fifty-two years, while his wife pas.sed away 
at the age of eighty-five. By the second mar- 
riage have been born three children: Merlin H., 
a resident of Austin, 111.; Henry, who is in a 
store in Sumner, Wash.; and Minnie, a highly 
educated lady, now engaged in teaching in Rock- 
ford, 111. 

C\TUs Church was formerly a Democrat in pol- 
itics, but now votes with the Prohibition party. 
In an earl\- dav he .served as Tax Collector, and 



242 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



aided in the organization of Walworth and Sliaron development, hut has also seen theterritor>- trans- 
Townshiiw, also in estahlisliing the schools and formed into a State, and ha.s watched the rapid 

strides of progress which have placed Wisconsin 
among the foremost of the great States of the 
Union. Here he has lived an honorable and up- 
right life, his e.Kample being well worth) of em- 
ulation, and it is with pleasure that we present to 
our readers this record. 



churciies. He and his wife are nienilx;rs of the 
Haptist Church, and he has been i)roniinently 
coiniected with the various interests and enter- 
prises calculated tolKiiefit and ui)build this l(K'al- 
ity. For fifty-seven years he has residetl in Wal- 
worth County, a rword of which no one else can 
boast III- h:\^ iw' •■i')> \\ iiii.-.-^i ,1 it^ I'p'wtli ;nid 



ARCIIII^.AM) WOODARI). 



GlRCUIHAl.l) \\U{)1).\R1), deceased, was for 
LI some years a prominent resident of Allen's 
I I Orove, and was lH)th widely and favorably 
known in Walworth County. A native of New 
York, he was Ixini in the town of Hebron. Wash- 
ington County, Ajiril 2(;, 1.S18. and is a son of 
Daniel and Anna ( Case 1 W<Kidard, who were also 
natives of the Empire State. They liecame the 
parents of eleven children: I.ncina, Lucinda, 
Mar\-, Martha, Ann. Pluelx.-, Ai)ram, Archibald, 
Daniel, William and Eli. The la.st-nanied died 
in childluxKl. and the others grew to mature years. 
but the sons are all now deceased. One daughter, 
Martha, died after her marriage. The father of 
this family ])asse(l away May 13. 1S77, in his 
eighly-fourtii year, and his wife died in hereigli- 
ty-secon<l year. They were both members of 
the Haptist Church of North Hebron. Mr. WoikI- 
ard lived on one farm for sixty \ears. During 
the la.st twenty years of his life he was blind. 

In the usual matnier of farmer latis Archibald 
WiKMlard was reared, and on attaining his m;ijority 
he iK'gan fanning for himself. On the 2f)th o( 
May, 1S42. he wedded Mary F. Herron. Her 
grandfather, James Herron, was born in Ireland, 
and at an early day emigrated to New York. 
His son James was lM)ru and reared in New 
York, anil married H:tnnah Whitney. They Ik.-- 
came the parents of ten children, and with their 
family remove*! to .Sharon Township, Walworth 



County, Wis., where they spent their remaining 
days. Mrs. Herron there died July 16, 1874, and 
Mr. Herron died July 20, 1876, at the home of 
his daughter, Mrs. Woodard. The latter was born 
March 6, 1820, and is .still living in Allen's 
Grove, a most highly-esteemed lady. 

Four \ears i)revious to his marriage Mr. 
Wootlard had visited Wisconsin to see the 
country and perhaps make a hx'ation. In the 
old famil>- Hible he gives a ver\' terse accoiuit 
of his life, as follows. "Commenced housekeeping 
December 20, 1S42, in Hebron. N. Y.; moved 
from there to Granville, Washington County, 
N. Y., April 7. 1844; lefl Granville August 7, 
1S44: arrived in Hradford, Rock Countw Wis., 
September ig, 1844, and cf)mmenced housekeep- 
ing in one .side of a hou.se belonging to Cyrus 
I'almerton. Removedfrom there to a farm I had 
bought (October 25, 1844; went March 25, 1850, 
to the town of Darien, on a place I bought of 
Jes.se Older; moved from there April _^, 1S52, 
about a mile west, to a i>lace bought of Julius 
R. Woodruff; moved from there to a place 
bought of J()sOi)li Roberts, March 12, 1S54, in the 
village of .Mien's Grove; went from there. May 
6, 1864, to Ajjpleton, Wis.; returned to former 
residence in Allen's Grove January 25, 1865; 
moved from there to a jjlace bought of William U. 
Hayes in May, 1869." This not only indicates 
where and how Mr. Woodard pas.sed his time, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



243 



but the entrj' also indicates the methodical nature 
of the man, who spent a bus}' life, yet never lost 
sight of kindred and friends. After coming to 
the West, he carried on merchandising, dealt in 
land, loaned money, and followed other business 
enterprises. In i860 he began merchandising in 
Allen" s Grove, and was thus employed for four 
years, after which he bought and sold several 
stocks of goods in that place. He was a man of 
remarkable foresight and business ability, and his 
enterprise, perseverance and good management 
won him .success. 

Mr. and Mrs. Woodard had two children. The 
daughter, Fannie, was born January 10, 1844, and 
died November i, 1864, in Appleton, Wis., hav- 
ing been an invalid for some years previous. 
Archibald was born April 16, 1846, and is now a 
prominent citizen of Clinton, Wis. For twenty- 
seven years before his death, Mr. Woodard held 
membership with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and took a verj' active part in church 
work. He was instrumental in organizing the 
church in Allen's Grove, invited a minister to 
preach in that village, and within three weeks a 
church with thirty members was formed; while 
within a j-ear the organization was comfort- 
tably established in a new hou.se of worship. Be- 
fore the war, Mr. Woodard was a Democrat in 
politics, but during that struggle became a promi- 



nent Republican, while during his last years he 
was a Prohibitionist. In politics, as in religion, he 
was earnest, conscientious and fearless. His la.st 
years on earth were full of .suffering, but to the 
end he was ever mindful of the feelings and com- 
fort of others. He passed away Maj- 10, 1885, at 
the age of sixty-seven j'ears and eleven days, and 
the entire community mourned his lo.ss, for he 
was a kind husband and father, a faithful friend, 
and a valued citizen. 

Archibald Woodard, Jr., who has a wide ac- 
quaintance in Walworth County, has for the past 
seven years lived in Clinton, Wis., where he is en- 
gaged in the banking business, as President of the 
Citizens' Bank. He was married December 26, 
1864, to Mar}' Eamont, a native of Schoharie 
Count}-, N. Y. Their union has been blessed 
with .six children; Archibald, who is living with 
Mrs. Woodard, his grandmother; George L., who 
is now one of the Juniors of Har\'ard College; 
Morrison C, Fannie, Daniel and Mary, who are 
still at home. Mr. Woodard is a faithful member 
of the Methodist Church. In politics, he takes 
an active interest, supporting the Democracy. 
He has twice been a member of the State Conven- 
tion, and was the Democratic candidate for the 
Legislature in 1890. He is a man of good busi- 
ness ability, and worth and merit ha\'e won him 
prominence in political circles. 



NELSON STOREY, Jr. 



KEELSON STOREY, Jr., a representative 
\ I farmer of Sharon Township, now living on 
1x3 section 25, was born on the 17th of February-, 
1844, at Spring Prairie, Walnut County, Wis., 
and is a son of Nelson and Delia (Camp) Storey. 
His father was born in O.swego County, N. Y., 
Januar}- 14, 181 1, was reared on a farm, acquired 
his education in the district schools, and through- 
out his life followed agricultural pursuits. He 
became the owner of the old famih- homestead, 



purcha.sing the interest of the other heirs, and re- 
.sided thereon until 1842, when he .sold out, and 
came direct to Walworth County, Wis. Here he 
entered one hundred and twenty acres of laud from 
the Government, the farm upon which our subject 
now resides. He was one of the earliest white set- 
tlers in the community, and on his arrival the In- 
dians still lived in the neighborhood. Mr. Storey 
paid $1.25 per acre for his land, and afterward ad- 
ded to it twenty acres. To the cultivation and im- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



-'44 

provcnient of his farm he devoted his lime and 
atttiilioii throughout his remaining days, and lie- 
came one of tlie highly resiKCted citizens of the 
community. His death occiirretl January 2.S, 
i«8i , at the age of seventy years. His father al- 
ways resided in New York, where he die<l of con- 
sumption, as the result of hardship and exjiosure 
endured as a soldier in the War of 1S12. The 
matern.il grandfather of our subject emigrate<l from 
New York to Michigan, where his death occurred 
some twenty years ago. 

In the Storey family were ten children, five 
sons and five daughters, hut two sons and two 
daughters are now deceased. Hannah, widow of 
William Adams, resides with her two children in 
Walinil County; .Mary is the wife of Henry 
Wheeler, of Norwalk, Wis., by whom she has 
one daughter: Sarah is the wife of Seth Adams, of 
Sharon: Nelson is the next younger: Franklin 
marrie<l lUmira Dangerfield, and resides near 
Sharon; and William married liiliza Hordendorph. 
and with their two .sons they live in Sharon. 

Ujx.n the old homestead farm Nelson Storey 
sjjent the days of his boyhood and youth. He 
received but ver>- limiteil schcx)! privileges, and 



has made farming his life work. In his under- 
takings he has been quite succes.sful, and is now 
the owner of one hundred acres of rich and val- 
uable land, all of which is under a high state of 
cultivation, and is well improved 

On the 5th of October, 1871, .Mr. Storey was 
united in marriage with Mi.ss Emma J. Searles, 
daughter of William A. and Claris.sa (Burk) 
Searles. Her father died in Tennes.sce, in Sep- 
tember, 1877, and her mother is now living with 
her children in New York. Mrs. Storey was liorn 
July II, 1847, and by her marriage has become 
the mother of a son, Judsou, who was born July 
3, 1872, and is a graduate of the High School 
of Sharon. He posses,ses good ability, and now 
aids his father in the operation of the home farm. 
Mr. Storey exerci.ses his right of franchise in sup- 
port of the Republican party, but has never .sought 
or desired political prefennent, as his time and 
attention are fully taken up with his business in- 
terests. He is a worthy representative of one of 
the pioneer families of the community, and has 
long been regarde<l as one of the leading citizens 
(if Sharon Township. 



iA"riii:K M. xoi Rsr:. 



I UTHKR M. NOHRSK, who resides on .sec- 
IC tion 2. Darien Townshii), has for many years 
It) l)een prominently connected with the agri- 
cultural interests of Walworth County. A native 
of New York, he was Iwrn in Herkimer County, 
June 28, i8^^o, and is a stiii of Elisha Nourse, who 
was a native of N'ermont, and was of ICnglish de- 
.scent. The j)aternal grandfather was alsf) born 
in the Green Mountain State, and was one of the 
heroes of the Revolution, having ser\ed for some 
time in Washington's army. The great-grand- 
father was a native of Ma.s.sachusetts, and was 
reared near Boston, and the inenil)ers of the family 
for many generations foUowetl farming. The 



mother of our .subject bore the maiden name of 
Sarah Murdock, and was born and reared in New- 
York. Her brothers were physicians, and their 
children have usually followed a professional life, 
becoming doctors, lawyers and ministers. 

The parents of our subject were married in Ver- 
mont in 1820, and at once removed to New York, 
where the father carried on farming in pursuit of 
fortune. Both he and his wife were meml)ers of 
the Baptist Church, and took an active part in 
church and benevolent work. Tlieir family num- 
bered the following children: Hiram, a resident of 
ICast Troy, N. Y. : Delpha, Rosanna and Ellen, de- 
cea.sed; Luther M. of this sketch: Hannah, wife of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



245 



Alex Bailey, a resident of East Troy, N. Y.; and 
Louisa, also deceased. The mother of this famih' 
died when our subject was a child of nine sum- 
mers, after which his father married Lucy New- 
land, by whom he had three children; Edwin H., 
Mary and Lucy, all of whom are still living. Mr. 
Nourse was called to his final rest in 1871, his 
death occurring at his home in Utica, N. Y. 

On the old homestead farm Luther Nourse spent 
the days of his boyhood and youth, and the com- 
mon .schools of the neighborhood afforded him his 
educational privileges. He then engaged in teach- 
ing for several terms in New York, and also fol- 
lowed the same profes.sion to a limited extent in 
Wisconsin. He was married in the Empire State, 
in 1854, to Miss Delilah Littlefield, a native of 
New York, and a daughter of Daniel Littlefield, 
who was born in Connecticut. Her mother, who 
bore the maiden name of Mehitable Paddock, was 
also born in the Nutmeg State. 

Soon after his marriage, Mr Nourse brought 
his bride to the West, and took up his residence 
upon a fami adjoining the one which he now owns. 
He removed to his present farm in 1869, purchas- 
ing it of his father-in-law, who in an early day de- 
veloped and improved it. Mr. Littlefield died in 
Walworth County in 1888, in his ninety-fifth 
year, and his wife passed away in 1883. Mr. 
Nourse is now the owner of one of the best im- 
proved farms of the locality. He has a fine resi- 
dence, barns and outbuildings, which are models 
of convenience, the latest improved machinery, 
and all modern accessories. 



Six children were born to our subject and 
his wife: Marcenia, Flora, Clara, RoUin, Oninia 
and Daniel. All are now deceased with the ex- 
ception of Rollin, who resides in La Junta, Colo.; 
and Oninia, at home. She is an invalid, but is 
very ambitious, and successfully manages her 
father's farm. She is also a fine judge of all 
kinds of stock. 

In connection with general farming, Mr. Nourse 
has for man}- years engaged in threshing, and now 
owns and operates two threshing-machines. He 
is a man possessed of sagacity, enterprise and good 
business ability, and in his undertakings has been 
quite prosperous. He votes with the Republican 
party, reads extensively, and keeps thoroughly 
informed on all public affairs. His home is boun- 
tifully supplied with books, which give evidence 
of a cultured literary ta.ste, and on all sides flowers 
are .seen, which tell of a love of the beautiful. In 
his political views, Mr. Xourse is a Republican, 
and he and his wife hold membership with the 
Baptist Church, in which thej- take an active in- 
terest. Their membership is with the congrega- 
tion at Delavan. Mr. Nourse is an untiring 
worker in the interest of the Sunday-school, and 
both he and his wife are charitable and benevolent 
people, ever readj- to extend a helping hand to 
those in distress and need. They hold an enviable 
position in .social circles where true worth and 
intelligence are received as the passports into 
good societ}-, and are held in warm regard by manj' 
friends. 



EDWARD E. CAMPBELL, M. D. 



"TDWARD E. CAMPBELL. M. D., a physi- 

^ clan and surgeon engaged in practice in 

^ Walworth, has the honor of being a native 

of Wisconsin, for his birth occurred in Edgerton, 

January- 18, 1862. He is the youngest in a fam- 

ilv of ten children born to Dennis and Rebecca 



( Ayers) Campbell. Emeline, the eldest, is the wife 
of A. D. Kent, a resident of Milwaukee. Alexander 
is engaged in harness-making in Edgerton. Har- 
riet is the wife of Allen Butterfield, of Chicago. 
Henry is Superintendent of the Western Union 
Telegraph Company in New Orleans. George is 



?46 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 



a traveling salesman, now living in Mankato, 
Minn. Isaac is a resident of Janesville. Wis. 
Olive is the wife of CeorRe I.eadi. of Walworth. 
I.ncy, (lecease<l, was the wife of Marshall Coon. 
Frances died in infancy, and the Doctor completes 
tlie family. 

Dennis Campbell, father of onr subject, was 
Ixjrn in Marlborough, N. J., NovemKr 12, 1822, 
and was of Scotch extraction. The genealogy of 
the family can l>e traced back through various 
generations to ancestors who livetl in ICngland in 
1340. Some of their descendants came to the 
I'nited States in an carlv day, and had land grants 
given to them by William Peiin. Dennis Camp 
I )ell was reared on a farm, and in 1S52 came to 
Wisconsin, locating in Walworth Township, but 
after a few years he removed to Rock Counts , 
where he carried on agricultural jnirsuits until 
after the breaking out of the late war. He sen-ed 
for two years among the boys in blue, and then, 
i>n account of failing health, was forced to return 
home. In 1R65 he removed to Walworth County, 
where he engaged in farming until his death, 
which oci-urred in 1.SS0, his remains lx;ing in- 
terred in Walworth Cemetery. He was a mem- 
l>er of the Haptist Church, and was a highly re- 
specte<l citizen. His wife still survives him, and 
is now living in Walworth, at the age of seventy- 
two years. 

Dr. Cami)lx.-ll .s]k.iiI liis early life in agricultural 



pursuits with his father, and attended the com- 
mon schotds until eighteen years of age. Uf)on 
his father's death lie began working as a fann 
hand by the month, and was thus employed in 
Illinois for about two years, on the expiration of 
which i)eriod he entered Milton College, of Mil- 
ton, Wis., where he pursued his studies for five 
years, his college course being interrupted by 
two tenns sjient in teaching. He was graduated 
in the Class of "88, and the following year be- 
came Princi])al of the graded schools of Milton, 
Wis. Desiring to enter the medical profession, 
he l>ecanie a student in the Chicago Homeo- 
])athic College in September, 1889, and was grad- 
uated from that in.stitution in March, 1891. He 
then e.stablished an office in Walworth, where he 
has since l)een engaged in the jiractice of medi- 
cine and surgery. 

In November. 1S91. Dr. Campbell was united 
in marriage with Miss Mary Dell Hurdick, daugh- 
ter of A. D. and Mary Burdick, who are resi- 
dents of Janesville, Wis. In politics, the Doctor 
is a .standi Republican, and he and his wife are 
memljers of tlie Haptist Church. He startetl out 
in life apcxjrboy, without capital, but has steadily 
worked his way upward, overcoming the difficul- 
ties and obstacles in his path by a determined ef- 
fort, and is now enjoying a goo<l ])ractice. having 
won a reputation which niiglil well be envied by 
many an older phy.sician. 



DAX'II) I-OLTS. 



0A\ ID I'OI/rS, who carries on agricultural 
jmrsuits on sections 30 and 31, Darien Town- 
ship, is the owner of one of the finest farms 
of Walworth County. He has four hundred acres 
of rich and arable land, and in the midst of the 
Well-tilled fields stand goiMl barns and other out- 
buildings and a conirortabk- residence. .Supplied 
with all modern improvements, it is a desirable 
and valuable place, and its neat appearance indi- 



cates to the pa.s.ser-ljy tlie tlirift and enterprise of 
the owner. 

Mr. Folts is descended from a long line of an- 
cestors who claim the proud distinction of be- 
longing to one of the old Dutch families of the 
beautiful and historic Mohawk Valley, which 
region has t>ecome famous as the birthplace of 
many illustrious men. Louis XIV. of France, 
by his tyranny, drove many worthy people from 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



247 



the Palatines in Holland, among whom were Mel- 
cherl Folts and his brother, who landed in Phila- 
delphia. The former went to New York and 
settled on the banks of the Hudson. He was one 
of the volunteers of 1 7 1 2, in the expedition against 
Canada, and was one of the patentees of a land 
grant under George III. which was given in 
1705. He had three .sons and two daughters, 
among whom he divided his property- by a will 
dated January 29, 1734. His eldest son, Jacob, 
was born in Philadelphia in 1710, and was also 
named as one of the patentees, receiving lot No. 
3. He became the first .settler in what is now 
known as the town of Frankfort, and in a recent 
census of that town sixt^'-five persons answered 
to the name of Folts. Melcherl Folts was for 
many years Church-warden, and held a commis- 
sion in the provincial ami}- of George III. He 
died in 1807, at the age of ninet\--seven. His 
wife, Katrina Folts, was a daughter of Hanjest 
Petrie, and to them were born two sons and eight 
daughters. Jacob died at the age of twenty. 

Conrad, the younger son of the family, married 
Anna Dygert, whose mother, Mrs. Lena Dygert, 
was a sister of Gen. Herkimer, after whom Her- 
kimer County, N. Y. , was named. Conrad Folts 
died in June, 1793, leaving seven sons and two 
daughters. The eldest son, Jacob C, was born 
in Februar\% 1775, and in 1795 married Elizabeth 
Steele, daughter of George and Dorothea (Shoe- 
maker ) Steele. Her grandfather, Randolph Steele, 
was a native of Switzerland, and when a young 
man was seized, made a soldier, and .sent to Amer- 
ica. An old account says that Jacob Folts was a 
man highly esteemed for his many virtues, that 
his word was as good as his bond, and that he was 
noted for his Christianity and patriotism. In the 
War of 18 1 2, he was among the first to enlist. He 
took an earh' stand for temperance, and banished 
all liquor from his harvest fields many years before 
the commencement of the temperance cru.sade. 
He aided in erecting the first church in his town, 
and was one of its Elders. His death occurred 
November 15, 1831, and his wife, who sur\'ived 
him nearly twenty years, died at the age of sev- 
enty-five. 

In their familv were seven sons and five daugh- 



ters. Jacob J., born in 1808, was a merchant and 
banker. Elizabeth, born in 181 1, lives with her 
brother on the old homestead. Benjamin, who 
was born in 18 13, and was a successful minister 
of the Congregational Church, died November 
15, 1 88 1. Daniel V., born in 1815, resides in 
Boston , where for more than a third of a century- 
he has been .successfully engaged in the practice of 
medicine. James, born in 1817, v^-as formerly 
Colonel of a regiment, and new owns and operates 
the old homestead. The eldest child, Magdelene, 
was born in 1796, married Henry Dygert, and 
died in 1873. Conrad, born in 1798, v^'as a mer- 
chant and farmer, and died in 1871. Anna, born 
in 1800, died in infancy. Dorothea, born in 1802, 
married John Edick, of South Columbia, and died 
in 1866. George, born in 1804, married Eliza 
Murray, followed merchandising most of his life, 
and for a time was in the Government ser\nce in 
Wa.shington, where he died in 1870. Mary, born 
in 1807, became the wife of Rev. W. W. Seeley, 
of New York City, and died in 1854. 

We now take up the personal histor\- of David 
Folts, who was born on the old homestead in 
Herkimer County, N. Y., November 13, 1822, 
and remained on the farm until fifteen years of 
age, when he entered the store owned b}- his 
brother George, on the canal, ten miles east of 
Utica. There he remained for seven years. Pre- 
vious to that time he attended the Fairfield Acad- 
emy, of Fairfield, N. Y., and on leaving the store 
he returned to the farm, where he .spent three 
years. 

In the count}' of his nativity, on the 5th of 
January, 1853, Mr. Folts wedded Harriet House, 
daughter of Solomon House, who was of German 
descent, and was born in New York in 1804. He 
there married Eliza Wilson, and they became the 
parents of six children: Eben, Harriet M., Wat- 
son, Edward, Allen and Frances. The father of 
this family was a farmer, and died in 1848, but 
his wife .still surv-ives him. 

In the j'ear of their marriage, Mr. Folts brought 
his bride to Wisconsin, and located upon the farm 
where he now resides. He made it his home for 
twenty years, and then, on account of ill-heath, 
abandoned agricultural pursuits for a time, and 



348 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



engaged in merchandising i" Allen's Gnne for 
len year-*. When that (Utade had passetl, he re- 
tunie<l li> the farm which has since Inren his home. 
To hint and his wife have l)een l)orn eight chil- 
dren. Mary Iv Ixirn Jannary 9. 1S54, is now the 
wife of Alex McKay, of Chicago; Jacob J.. l>oni 
August 20. i«5.s, die<i May 28, 1859: Frank C. 
waslH.rn March u>, 1S57; Jacob J., Ixirii March 
\. 1.SS9, is now general agent for the McCormick 
Harxesler Company, and lives in Milwaukee; 
George H. McClellan, Iwirn Decx-mber 20, 1.S62, 
dietl <MolK.-r 2u, 1864; Minnie Iv. lx)rn Octoljer 
12, 1865. is the wife of Fred H. Maxwell, of Chi- 



cago; Liz/ie Grace, horn May 31, 1869, and 
William A. A., boni .\ugust 25. 1872, are still 
at home. 

Mr. Folts is a Democrat in jwlitics, but has 
never sought or desired jiublic office, preferring 
to nive his entire time and attention to his busi- 
ness interests, in which he ha.s met with good suc- 
cess. Both as a farmer and merchant he has 
prosjiered. and as the result of his well-directed 
efforts has acquired a handsome competence. He 
has now lived in Walworth County for more 
than forty years, and all who know him hold him 
in high regard. 



Kl( ll.\Ki) K. SIU.M.MINS. 



RICH.\kI> k. SniMMINS. a well-known and 
highly resi)ecle<l farmer residing on section 
II, Darieii Township, was Iwrn on the Isle 
of Man on the 3d of May, 1S42, and is of Scotch 
descent. His father, William Shimmins, alsf) a 
native of the Isle of Man, was reared to a sea- 
faring life and became a fisherman. Through his 
training in scIumjI, and through constant reading 
and study, he l>ecame a well-informed man. He 
inarTie<l Ivsther Martin, who was also bom on the 
Isle of Man. and they l)ecame the ])areuts of 
the following children: William; John; Tlxmias; 
Richard R.; Ivsther; Betsy, wife of Christojiher 
Hughes; Anna, wife of S. Angell; and Kate, 
who dic<l at the age of twenty years, just after 
the arrival of the family in America. 

William .Shimmins became i)art owner of a fish- 
ing .scluMjiier. on which he sailed for a nuinl>er of 
years, but at length he determined to seek a home 
in America, and with his wife and children cro.s.sed 
the Atlantic to New York. He then continued 
his journey to Wiscon.sin, and locate<l c^n a farm 
in Darieii Township, Walworth County, where 
he sjHjnt his remaining days, his death occurring 
in 1S62, at the age of eighty two years. Hiswife 
pas.sed awa\ in i.s,S4. They were Iwth memlK-rs 



of the Ivpiscoi)al Church, but after coming to 
.•\merica Mrs. Shimmins united with the Baptist 
Church. Their children who are yet living are; 
Richard R., John, Esther and Aiuia, all of whom 
reside in Delavan; and Betsy, who is living in 
Woodstock, 111. 

It was during his boyhood that Mr. Shimmins 
of this .sketch became a resident of Walworth 
County. l'j)on the home farm he was reared to 
manhood, and in the common schools acquired 
his early education, which was supplemented by 
several terms' attendance at the academy in Del- 
avan. In 1S62 he left home to go to the front 
in defense of the llnion, enlisting in Company I), 
Twenty-second W'iscoiisin Infantr.w under CajH. 
A. G. Kellam and Col. Bloodgood. He did .ser\- 
ice in Kentucky and Tennessee, and was engaged 
in the battle of Brentwotxl, March 25, 1863. Be- 
ing captured, he was confined in Libby Prison 
for a day and a night, and after sixteen days of 
captivity was relea.sed on an exchange. His 
health having become imjiaired, he was then 
discharged and returned home. 

f)n the 7th of November, 1867, Mr. Shimmins 
was united in marriage with Miss Julia Carter, 
who was l)orn April 10, 1849, in Darien Town- 



i 




SAMn:r. II. \-vn Scii.mcic 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



::si 



ship, and is a daughter of John Carter. Her fa- 
ther was a native of England, and when a young 
man came to America, locating first in Amster- 
dam, N. Y. By trade he was a carpenter. In 
1847 he removed to Wisconsin, locating in Darien 
Township. In the Empire State he had married 
Ann Pentecost, and to them were born twelve 
children, .seven yet .surviving: Arthur, Oliver, 
Wallace, Julia, Emeline, Susan and Harriet. 

Mr. and Mrs. Shimmins began their domestic 
life upon a farm on section 2, Darien Townshij), 
where they remained for nine years, after which 
they came to their present place of residence. 
Their home has been bles.sed with six children. 
Those living are: Marshall, Harry, Zilla, vSusieand 
Hazel. They lost one daughter, Ella, who died 



in 1889, at the age of nineteen years. The home 
is noted for its hospitality, and the members of 
the family rank high in the .social circles in which 
they move. Mr. Shimmins is a member of the 
Grand Army post of Delavan, and he and his 
wife hold membership with the Bapti.st Church 
of Delavan. In politics he is a supporter of the 
Republican party, and has always exercised his 
right of suffrage with intelligence and discretion. 
The be.st interests of the conununity have always 
found in him a friend, as he is a loyal and faith- 
ful citizen, who manifests the .same fidelity to 
every tru.st that characterized his career as a .sol- 
dier. He and his wife are held in high regard 
by their friends and neighbors, and well deserve 
representation in this volume. 



SAMUEL H. VAN SCHAICK. 



(ejAMUEL H. VAN SCHAICK, one of the 
/\ honored pioneer settlers of Walworth Coun- 
\*y ty, and a representative farmer, makes his 
home on section 8, Walworth Township. He 
was born in the town of Glen, Montgomer\' 
County, N. Y., Maj-ao, 18 16, and is the second in 
order of birth in a familj' of six children whose par- 
ents were John and Jane (Conover) VanSchaick. 
The father was a native of that part of New Jersey 
opposite Staten I.sland, and during his boyhood 
removed to New York, where he followed farm- 
ing throughout the remainder of his life. His 
death occurred at the age of seventy-three years. 
For .several generations his ancestors had lived in 
America, but the family was originally of Hol- 
land origin. His father was one of the heroes of 
the Revolution, and during the War for Inde- 
pendence was taken prisoner by the British. The 
mother of our subject was born in New Jersey, 
and during her girlhood accompanied her parents 
to the Empire State, where she died at the age of 
seventy-three j-ears. She was of Holland descent, 

12 



Mr. Van Schaick of this sketch remained upon 
the home farm until twenty-four years of age, and 
acquired a good practical education. He then 
left home and embarked in the grocery bu.siness 
in Fultonville, N. Y., where he carried on oper- 
ations for about a year. He then sold his store, 
on account of failing health, and removed to the 
West. In July, 1S42, he purchased the farm on 
which he now resides and began its development, 
for it was a wild tract, upon which not a furrow 
had been turned or an improvement made. The 
county was but sparsely settled, much of the 
land was still in possession of the Government, 
and Wi.sconsin at that time was still a territory-. 

On the ist of September, 1847, Mr. Van 
Schaick led to the marriage altar Miss Maria 
Ottman, a native of New York, who during her 
girlhood was brought by her parents to the 
Badger State. Her father was a Lutheran min- 
ister, and became one of the pioneer preachers of 
this .section of the country. Eight children were 
born to Mr. and Mrs, Van Schaick, but five 



252 



PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



of the miiiil)CT arc luiw (Icctastd. John IC. Uiu 
eUlcst living, is now a jirosiJeroiis farmer of Wal- 
worth Townsliip; William H. is cnnaKetl in the 
o|>eration of the home farm; and Clara is the wife 
of V. C. Peck, a merchant of HaralMX), Wis. 

In his political views. Mr. VanSchaick is a 
stalwart Repuhlican. havinj; snpporteil that jiarty 
since attaining his majority. His first Presiden- 
tial vote was cast for William Henry Harrison. 
He has always taken an active interest in local 



lion with the Baptist Chnrch, he has servetl as 
Deacon for fi'rtv years. 

Mr. Van Schaick now owns about two hundred 
acres of -valuahle land in Walworth Tfiwnship, and 
derives therefrom a j;ood income. His property 
has heen acquired entirely throuj^h his own ef- 
forts, and he may therefore well Ik.- called a self- 
made man. There are probably not more than 
five residents of Walworth County still surviving; 
who were here on our subjects arrival. He has 



jxjlitics, andser\ed as Justice of the Peace for one therefore witnessed almost the entire growth and 



term, after which he resigned. He was School Di- 
rector for several years, and .ser\ed on the Unile<l 
States Jury in Milwaukee f>>r five months. IJoth 
he and his wife hold meml>ership with the Con- 
gregational Union Church, in which, in comiec- 



development of this locality, and has ever borne his 
I)arl in its progress and upbuilding. His life has 
been an honorable and upright one, and he has 
the respect of all who know him. 



CEORC.l': ALLi:\ 



/JJlvORC.I-; .\M,1:N. who follows farming on 
|_. .section 24, Limi Township, is one of the 
Vj most highly respected citizens of the com- 
munity. He was born in Lebanon, Madison 
County, N. Y., July 23, 1S20, and is a son of 
Walter and Harriet ( Holbrook) Allen. His pa- 
ternal grandfather, Ivlisha Allen, was a native of 
Worcester County, Ma.-^s., and there died in i.SiS, 
at an advanced age. Walter Allen was born in 
the same a)unty, March 20, i~^7, and was one of 
eight children. He resided in the old 15ay .State 
until 1H15, when he removed to New York, lo- 
cating in Madison County. There he spc-nt his 
remaining days, engaged in farming, and was 
callctl to his final rest in May, 1S33. II i> wife 
was lM)rn in Worcester County, Mass., May 10, 
1790, and was .^ daughter of John and Lucrelia 
(HablK.'tt) Holbrook. Her father was born in 
1750, and died January 31, 18,^9. Mrs. Hol- 
brook departed this life in 1832. In Walter Al- 
len's family were six children. Marj-, born May 
25, 1815, died Deix-mber 31 , 1830: Dwight, born 



Novend)er ly. 1.S16, died September 4, 1839: 
Charles, born August 31, 18 iS, die<l May 19, 
1862: George is the next younger: Julia, who 
was born March 9, 1826, became the wife of B. 
\V. Wylie, and died at the age of twenty-two; 
John W., born January 21, 1831, died Januarj- 
22, 1855. 

George .Mien whose name heads this record 
was reared and educated in his native county, and 
there remained until 1S52. On the 12th of Jan- 
uary, 1842, he led to the marri.ige altar Harriet 
A. Buell, daughter of Ira and Chloe (Holcond)) 
Bnell. She was born in Chenango County, X.Y., 
and was one of eight children, .seven of whom are 
\ et living, the faniil\- being noted for longevity. 
Her father was one of thirteen children, twelve of 
whom lived to an average age of seventy' -one and 
a-half years. I'nto Mr. and Mrs. Allen have 
i)een born nine children. Dwight .S., who was 
l)orn l'"ebruary 12, 1843, makes his home in Linn 
Town.ship; Mary A., born Augu.st 17, 1845, is 
the wife of H. H. Curtis, of C.astlewood, S. Dak. ; 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



253 



H. Frances, born March 21, 1847, is the wife of J. 
P. Cheever, of Castlewood, S. Dak. ; Walter, who 
was born March 28, 1850, has been a teacher 
since the age of seventeen years, and is now Prin- 
cipal of the Twelfth Ward School, of Milwankee: 
Ira B., born January ii, 1852, died April 7, 
1878, while a student in the theological depart- 
ment of Yale College, after having been a college 
student for nine years; John W., born October 
12, 1854, was killed by a gunshot wound at the 
age of twenty -three; Charles H., born May 7, 
1856, died March 18, 1858; William G., born 
April 28, 1859, is now living in La Platte County, 
Colo.; and Hattie C, born January- 18, 1861, is 
the wife of L. E. Farnham, of Lake Geneva. The 
cause of education has always found in Mr. Allen 
a warm friend, and he gave his children excellent 
advantages along that line. Both he and his 
wife were teachers in early life, and seven of their 
children have followed that profession. 

In 1852 Mr. Allen located in Linn Township, 
Walworth County, where he purchased one hun- 
dred acres of land on section 24. The following 
year he bought two hundred and forty acres ad- 
joining, and from time to time extended the boun- 
daries of his farm until he owned seven hundred 
acres in one body. In connection with his sons, 



Dwight and Walter, he now owns nine hundred 
and sixty acres. His success is due entirely to 
his perseverance, industry and enterprise, and is 
the just reward of his labor. 

Since the formation of the Republican party, 
Mr. Allen has been one of its stanch supporters, 
and represented his district in the State Legis- 
lature in 1855. He has also been honored with 
various local offices. In 1854 he was elected a 
member of the Board of Supervisors and served as 
its Chairman for two years. In 1859 he was 
elected Superintendent of Schools, which position 
he filled two years, and in 1862 he was chosen 
Assessor, serving for ten consecutive years. In 
1866 he was elected Justice of the Peace and has 
filled that position without interruption up to the 
present time. From 1863 until the close of the 
war he was again Chairman of the Board of Su- 
pervisors, and was District Supervisor from 1864 
until 1867. In 1S73 he was once more elected 
Assessor, filling the position fourteen years at 
that time, or for twenty-four years out of a period 
of a-quarter of a centurj-. His worth and ability 
have kept him constantly in office, and in an un- 
usual degree he receives the respect and confi- 
dence of the entire community. 



REV. JOSEPH G. SMITH, 



REV. JOSEPH G. SMITH, who now has 
charge of the Catholic Church in Delavan, 
is a native of the Emerald Isle, his birth 
having occurred in County Cork. He is a son of 
George and Catherine ( Kellar) vSmith, both of 
whom died in Ireland. About 1S79 he crossed 
the Atlantic to America, locating in Meeme, 
Manitowoc County, Wis., as a priest of that par- 
ish. He was educated in Maynooth College, of 
Ireland, the largest ecclesiastical college in the 
world, and in St. Francis' Seminary, of Milwau- 



kee, Wis. He then became pastor of the church 
in Meeme, where he remained for three years, 
when he was transferred to Berlin, taking charge 
of St. Joseph's Church. On leaving that place 
he came to Delavan, where he has made his home 
since 1886. 

St. Andrew's Catholic Church of Delavan was 
organized as a mis.sion church in 1858, the Rev. 
George H. Brenan being the first resident pas- 
tor. After Rev. G. H. Brenan, the follow^ing 
priests took charge, viz.: Rev. T. A. Smith, 



^54 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1859-60; Rev. H. J. Roche, 1860-64; Rev. L. N. nio<lcni iinprovenients, and when completed will 

Kenney. 1864-66; Rev. J. F. Morris, 1866-69; cost about |Jti8, 000. The nienil)er.sliip of the parish 

Rev. R. Diniii)h> , isf..; j.S; Rev. E. Allen. now comprises about one hundred and fifty fanii- 

iS78-8o;and Rev. M.J. Tanglier, iS.So-86. There lies. Tliey have a beautiful cemetery just out.side 

were only a few nieniliers at first, but the congrc- the corporate limits of Delavan and east of Spring 

nation has grown to such jiroixirtions that it has Grove Cemetery, containing nine acres. Rev. 

Ueii iitvessiiry to reiH.ate<lly enlarge the house of Smith is a zealous worker in the interests of his 

worship, and they are now (in 1894) engaged church, and his long-continued service in Dela- 

iii bnilding a ikw chnuh on Walworth Avenue, van shows th.it he is well liked by his jicople. 
This will 1m.- a brick structure, su]»plie(l with all 



cii.\Kij:s 1:. i;ai)(;i:i<. 



EIl.XRMvS I-:. 1{A1)GI:R, who during the 
greater part of his life has been engaged in 
journalistic work, and is now the editor of 
the liladi , of IClkhorn, was born in Walworth 
County on the 2d of May, 1859, and is a son of 
Prof. Joseph A. and Ahnira \\. (Coon) Badger, 
both of whom were natives of central New York. 
For many years his father followed teaching. 
He was gratluated from the seminary of Caze- 
novia, N. Y., and afterward i)ecame one of the 
instructors of that institution. Sul)se<iuently he 
was employed as profes.sf>r of mathematics and 
>cience in DeRuyter Institute. In 1856 he emi- 
grated westward, and accepted the position of Prin- 
cipal of Walworth Academy. Later he had charge 
of Albion Academy, of Dane County. Wis., and 
stili later was Principal of the jniblic .scIkxjIs of 
Whitewater and iMlgerton, Wis., and of Wood- 
stoi-k, III. In 1 87 1 he became profe.s.sor of niatlie- 
niatics in lledding College, of Abingdon, 111., 
which ]K>sition he filled for six years, when failing 
health compelled him to resign, and he returned t<i 
Wisconsin. Several years he lived with his .sons. 
His tleath cKcurred in Delavan, March 26, 1891, 
at the age of seventy-two years. 

The Badgers were descended from one of the 
old Puritan families, and for many generations 
lived in Connecticut The great-grandfather of 



our subject was one of the heroes of the Revolu- 
tionary War. The Cfxju family was originally 
of .Scotch lineage. The mother of our subject 
died in Hlkhorn, Wis., Februarj- 26, 1892, at the 
age of seventy-three years, and left two sons to 
mourn her loss: Josejih .S., who is now connected 
with the General Electric Company, of New York 
City: and Charles E. 

Our subject completed his literary- e<lucation in 
lledding College, of Abingdon, 111., and theneii- 
tereil the printing-office of his brother in that 
place. I^ater, he was on a paper in Keithsburg, 
111., where he remained until 1877. when he 
a.s.s(x:iatcd himself with his brother on the Milton 
Rcgistn\ which they published for two years. 
In 1879 he l)ecame connected with the Lake Ge- 
neva Ncxi's, where he remained until 1884, when 
he accepted a jiosition with the State School for 
the Deaf, at Delavan, as in.structor in the print- 
ing department, and etlitor of the Tiints. Thus 
he ser\-ed for seven years. The Elkhorn lUadc 
has been in ex i.stcnce since 1S91. In the publi- 
cation of this paper, Mr. Badger has met with 
fair success, and is enjoying (piite a lilx^ral patron- 
age. It is ])ublished in the interests of the Pro- 
hibition party, and is devoted to ])ronioling Prohi- 
bition principles. 

On the stii of November, 1885, in Woodstock, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



255 



111., Mr. Badger was united in marriage with 
Miss Fannie L. Cooper, and to them were born 
three children, of whom Harry vS. and Walter J. 
are jet living. The onlj- daughter, Gracie A., 
died in infancy. Mr. Badger is a member of Elk- 



horn Lodge No. 9 1 , K. P. He belongs to the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, and in politics is a stanch 
Prohibitioni.st. The best interests of the com- 
numity ever find in him a friend, and he labcjrs 
earnestly for the upbuilding of Elkhorn. 



DVVIGHT S. ALLEN. 



WIGHT S. ALLEN is one of the leading cit- 
izens of Walworth Count\-, having taken a 
prominent part in its official and bu.sine.ss in- 
terests. He also has a wide acquaintance through- 
out the .state among its influential citizens, and 
has represented his district in the State Assembly. 
He makes his home on section 23. Linn Town- 
ship. The record of his life is as follows: He 
was born in Lebanon, Madison County, N. Y., 
February 12, 1843, and is the eldest in a family of 
nine children, six of whom are yet living. The 
parents, George and Harriet (Buell) Allen, were 
natives of Madison and Chenango Counties, N. Y., 
respectively, and are represented el.sewhere in this 
work. 

When Dwightwas a child of nine years he ac- 
companied his parents on their emigration to Wis- 
consin, the family locating in Linn Township, 
Walworth County. His early education, acquired 
in the common .schools, was supplemented by 
study in select .schools of Lake Geneva and Genoa 
Junction. The first money he earned was receiv- 
ed in payment of his service as mes,senger boy, in 
the winter of 1858-59. Later in life, he entered the 
Assembly halls to take his .seat as a member of 
the Upper House. 

At the age of nineteen, Mr. Allen responded to 
the country's call for troops, enlisting August 16, 
1862, as a member of Company C, Twentj'-Second 
Wiscon.sin Infantry. The regiment, connnandedby 
Col. Utley, was noted for its abolition principles. 
His first active service was at Spring Hill, Teim., 
he being one of a force of si.xteen hundred .sent out 



to reconnoitre. This force was captured March 5, 
1863, and taken to Libby Prison, but they were 
soon after paroled and .sent to Jeffer.son Barracks, 
St. Louis. Mr. Allen then went on a fifteen-days 
visit to his home, after which he returned to St. 
Louis, where the old regiment was re-organized 
and in June, 1863, .sent to Tennessee. The 
troops went to Murfree.sboro, thence to Nashville 
and Chattanooga, and joined ,Shermau's forces, 
preparatory to the Atlanta campaign. Mr. Allen 
participated in all the battles of the Twentreth 
Corps, conunanded by Gen. Joe Hooker, inchuliiig 
the engagements at Resaca, Dallas, Kenne.saw 
Mountain, Culps Farm, Peach Tree Creek, and 
many other skirmi.shes, his company carrying the 
colors and establishing the line of battle. They 
remained in Atlanta from September 2 to the 15th 
of November, engaged in fortifying the city, and 
then marched from Atlanta to the .sea. Mr. Al- 
len was ill the hospital at Savannah f )r two months, 
and thence went to Richmond, and on to Wash- 
ington, where he arrived in time to participate in 
the Grand Review of Sherman's army. He receiv- 
ed his discharge from the .service in Milwaukee, on 
the 28th of June, 1865, and returned home an hon- 
ored veteran of the most important war of the 
century. 

In the spring of 1866 Mr. Allen began farming 
in Linn Township, on land owned by his father, 
and on the 4th of September, 1867, he married 
Delia vSherman, of Eagle, Wis., daughter of Will- 
iam and Loui.sa (Parsons) Sherman, who were na- 
tives of New Hampshire and Canada, respective- 



256 



PORTRAIT A^TJ BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ly. Mrs. Alltii was one of a family of ciglit chil- 
dren, six of wlioiii are yet living. To our subject 
and his wife were Ixjni ten children, of whom 
seven are living: John Raynniml, lilsie C, James 
Garfielii, Josepliine H.. Kulh Alice, Mary Louisa 
and Dwi^ht S. 



1872, 1873 and 1874. In 1877 he was elected 
Chairman of the Town Board of Supervisors, 
which position he filletl for fourteen consecutixe 
years, and during ten years of that time officiated 
as Chairman of the County Board. In 1S8S he 
was elected to the State Lc-gislature, and was a 



In 1S74 Mr. Allen made iiis first purclia.se of nienil)er of the Ixxly which enacted the noted Ben- 



land, and to it has added from time to time. In 
connection with his father and brother he now 
owns nine hun(lre<l ami sixty acres of valuable 
laiul, lyinn for more than a mile on each side of 
the road. He is president of the Lake \iew 
Co-oixrative Creamery. In 1874 he IxuikIu a 
corner lot in Lake Geneva, and erected one of the 
finest business blocks in the county. He also 
owns two n-sidences in that place, and is fnie of 
its Icailing real-estate dealers. 

Mr. .\llen cast his first vote while in the trenches 
at Atlanta, and ever since has Ik-cu an earnest 
adherent of the Republican jiarty ajid its principles. 
He is a valued promoter of the best interests of 
I, inn Townshi]). and served as its Treasurer in 



netl Law. Since its organization he has Ix-en a 
member of the Soldiers' Relief Commission. He 
is deejjly interested in educational matters, and has 
sen-ed as School Treasurer, while his wife is one 
of the School Directors of the township. Socially, 
he is a member of Mcl'herson Po.st No. 27, G. A. 
R., of Lake Geneva, of which he .served as Com- 
mander three years: belongs to Lake Geneva 
Loilge No. 25, I. O. O. F., and for one year was 
President of the Walworth County Agricultural 
Society. A man of broad and liberal views, pro- 
gressive and public-.spirited, he has taken a most 
prominent part in jiromotiiig the best interests of 
thiscoiiimuuitv and in advancing the general wel- 
fare. 



JOHN 1:. NHrilI<:RCUT. 



3()IIN K. NIvTIIKRCl'T, one of the publish- 
ers of the lltiald, of Lake (ieiieva, was Ikihi 
in New York City, on the 29th of March, 
1852, and is a .son of George S. and Mary B. 
(McCipiiiiell ) Nethercut, who were natives of the 
North of Ireland. The father was a shoe-maker, 
and in 1.S44 left the Ivmerald Isle and cros.sed 
the .-Xtlantic to .\nierica. He located in New 
York City, where he worked at his trade, ami 
there he met, wixx-d an<l won Miss McConnell, 
who had come to .\nierica at al)out the same time 
as her husband. Their marriage was celel)rated 
in May, 1850, and unto them were Iwrn six sons, 
four of whom are yet living: John Iv, of this 
sketch; James B., who is now a IxMik-keeper of 
Whitewater, Wis.; William R., a lawyer of Mil- 



waukee; and Kdgar S., a civil engineer of Chi- 
cago. Robert and George both died in Lake 
Geneva. The family came to the West in May, 
1855, and located in Lake Geneva, where the 
parents are still living. Mr. Nethercut has the 
reputation of being the l>est shoemaker who ever 
locatetl here. 

Tlie gentleman whose name heads this record 
worked on the shoe-bench for four years with his 
father, but, desiring to carry on some other line 
of trade, he entered the office of the I let aid when 
it was first opened. He .set the first type on the 
paper, but afterwards was employed as a printer 
in an office in Rock ford, 111. In October, 1879, 
he liegan business for himself, as jiroprietor of 
the i',a:tltt\ of Richmond, III., and in 1887 he 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



257 



came to Lake Geneva, and bought a half-interest 
in the Lake Geneva Herald. He is now business 
manager of this wide-awake newspaper. A glance 
at the office indicates that a successful business 
is being carried on, for it is first-class in all 
its appointments, and would do credit to a much 
larger city. Here our subject learned to set type, 
and here he is meeting with a deserved success. 
Mr. Nethercut was married January 3, 1885, to 



Sarah Shibley, of Randall, Kenosha County, 
daughter of Jacob Shibley, and unto them has 
been born one child. May Belle. Socially, Mr. 
Nethercut is a member of the Independent Order 
of Good Templars, and the Knights of Pythias 
fraternity, and in politics is a Republican. The 
best interests of the comnnmity find in him a 
friend, and he has the high regard of all who 
know him. 



C. L. DOUGLASS. 



EL. DOUGLASS, who now owns and oper- 
ates a mill in Fontana, has since an early 
day been identified with the business and 
other interests of Walworth Count}-. He is both 
widely and favorably known in this communitj-, 
and we feel assured that the record of his life will 
prove of interest to many of our readers. A na- 
tive of the Empire State, he was born in Erie 
County, November 9, 1827, and is descended 
from good old Revolutionary .stock, his paternal 
grandfather having .served in the War for Inde- 
pendence. The family is of Scotch-Irish descent. 
The father of our .subject, Chri.stopher Doug- 
lass, was born in Connecticut, and during his 
youth emigrated with his parents to \'erniont, 
where he was reared to manhood on a farm. In 
the connnon schools he acquired a good education 
and then returned to Connecticut, where he en- 
gaged ill teaching for a time. In his native State 
he married Mi.ss Orilla Douglass, who was also 
born in Connecticut. After his marriage he 
removed to New York. Later he ser\-ed in 
the War of 18 12, and then settled on a farm 
near Buffalo, then an almost unbroken wilder- 
ness. In the midst of the forest he hewed out 
a farm, clearing away the heav)' timber from 
his land, which he then developed into rich and 



fertile fields. His nearest neighbor was twenty 
miles di.stant. In 1828 he removed to Macomb 
County, Mich. In the .spring of 1837 he sold his 
farm in Michigan, and for about six months 
rented land near Chicago. He then left his fam- 
ily in that place and came to Walworth County, 
Wis., when he began breaking land and making 
preparations for a home, to which he brought his 
family the succeeding autumn. Here he engaged 
in farming and keeping tavern at what was known 
all over the West as Douglass' Corners. Subse- 
quentl}- he sold some of his farm and purcha.sed 
land at the head of Geneva Lake, where the town 
of Fontana now stands. His death occurred at 
the age of eighty years, and the community 
thereby lo.st one of its best citizens. His wife 
passed away in Fontana at the age of seventy- 
four. 

C. L. Douglass was reared amid the wild scenes 
of the frontier. It was during his infancy that 
the family went to Michigan, and he was a child 
of only ten years when they came to Walworth 
County. He early became inured to the arduous 
ta.sk of developing wild land, breaking prairie, and 
planting and harvesting crops. The niachiner>- 
of that day was very crude as compared with that 
of the present day, but nevertheless it .served its 



258 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



purpose, and llie earnest efforts of the pioneers nient along the trail, Mr. Douglass made his way 

transformed acre after acre of the wild land into to Ontonagon to get footl. He jounieyed for two 

rich fields. In 1X4^) Mr. Dougla.ss went to the days and two niglits and had to sleep in the open 

C(ipi>cr mines of Lake Sui)eri<ir, where he spent air. The inalclas which he carried iKcanie damp, 

alxnit eighteen months. He then returned to the and he could not even build a fire. He has Ix^en 

old home, and took charge of the husiiie.-is, caring through all the experiences and hardships of life 

for his parents until they were called to tlie home on the frontier, Imtastime has passed he has been 

iK-yond. He was the ninth in a family often enabled to secure the comforts of civilization, and 

chililren, four sons an<l six daughters. Alxiut has acquired a handsome property, which now 

i.SsC' he l)uilt a gristmill in I'ontana, and carried sup])lies him with many of the luxuries of life. 

on business along that line until cpiite recently. He owns a beautiful home on Geneva Lake, to- 



when he placed his business in charge of his sons. 
while he now lives retired. 

On the 2ylh of August, 1849, Mr. Dougla.ss 
wedded .Miss Margaret Stewart, of Walworth 
County, and ft)Ur children gracetl this union: 



gether with considerable land, and has given to 
each of his cliildren some real estate. In politics, 
he is a .stanch Republican, and in the spring of 
1S72 was elected to the Legislature from his dis- 
trict. For thirteen vears he was Chairman of the 



C. S., who operates the mill in Kontana; Horace County Board of Supervisors and Clerk of the 



G. and L<mis C, who are engaged in the milling 
business in Lake Geneva; and Ruth \V., who died 
at the age of twenty-five years. 

In 1S55 Mr. I)f)Uglass went with a party who 
t«K)k a drove of cattle across the country to Lake 
Superior. Before reaching their <lestination their 
provisions gave out, and. as there was no settle- 



schof)l district, and is now Treasurer of the 
scliool district. l'"aithful to every trust reix)sed 
in him, he proved a competent and efficient officer, 
and while on the County Board his admini.stra- 
tion of affairs won the commendation of all con- 
cerned. 



IIIOMAS WALL, 



'lU).M.\S WALL, a fanner residing on sec- 
tion I, La Grange Tt)wnshi]), was born in 
Kullon County, 111., on the 26tli of January, 
1842, and is of Knglish descent. His jiarcnts, 
Henry and I\li/.abeth ( James 1 Wall, were both 
natives of Manchester, ICngland. The father was 
a baker by trade, and followed tliat business dur- 
ing his residence in his native land. About 1840 
he determined to seek a home in America, hop- 
ing thereby to l)enefit his financial condition, and, 
boanling a sailing-vessel, he crossed the Atlantic. 
After a voyage of four weeks anchor was dropped 



in the harl)or of New York, and he landed in the 
eastern metropolis. He took up his residence, 
however, in Rochester, N. V.. where he worked 
at his trade for a .short time, after which he re- 
moved to Fulton County, 111. He did not remain 
long in that place, however, for in 1S42 we find 
him in Wisconsin, living near Palmyra, Jefferson 
CounlN , where he purcha.sed from the Govern- 
ment eighty acres of wild land, jiaying for the 
same the usual price of Si. 25 per acre. Upon it 
he erected a log cabin, which continued to be his 
lionR- until iSjy, when he came to Walworth 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



25$ 



County, settling in La Grange Township, where 
his remaining da3S were pas.sed. He .t;ave his 
entire time and attention to the cultivation of his 
land and made it a good farm. In his social re- 
lations he was a Mason, and in religious belief he 
was a Methodist. He took great interest in 
church and bene\-olent work, and was ever act- 
ively interested in those enterpri.ses which are 
calculated to benefit and upbuild the community. 
His death occurred vSepteniber 4, 1893, and his 
remains were interred in Little Prairie Cemetery. 
His wife, who was a member of the Episcopal 
Church, had pa.ssed away on the 5th of Novem- 
ber, 1892, and was buried in the same place. 
Mr. and Mrs. Wall had a family of ten chil- 
dren, namely: Thomas, Mary, Kllen, Libby, 
Hattie, Alta, John H. (deceased), Alice, Willis 
C. and Myrtle. 

In taking up the personal history of Thomas 
Wall we pre.sent to our readers the life record of 
one who is both widel}- and favorabh- known in 
Walworth County. He attended the di.strict 
.schools, and in earlj- life became familiar with 
the arduous task of developing a new farm. He 
continued to give his father the benefit of his 
services until the 4th of Februaiy, 1865, when he 
responded to the President's call for troops, don- 
ned the blue, and did service as a member of 
Company E, Forty-sixth Wisconsin Infantrj'. 
He was mustered in at Madison, Wis., and was 
largely engaged in garri.son duty at Athens, Ala. 



When the war was over he was honorably dis- 
charged, on the iSthof October, 1865, and at 
once returned to his home. He continued to aid 
in the operation of the hotne farm until his mar- 
riage. 

On the 17th of June, 1873, Mr. Wall was joined 
in marriage with Miss Eli/.a Randall, daughter of 
Samuel and Susan (Wright) Randall, and unto 
them have been born two children, a son and a 
daughter: Belle, who is now the wife of John 
O'Brien, a farmer of La Grange Township; and 
John H., at home. 

Mr. Wall began farming for himself upon 
rented land, but after a year purchased one hun- 
dred and thirty-five acres in Troy Township. 
To the cultivation and improvement of that farm 
he devoted his energies until 1886, when he sold 
out and bought one hundred and twent}' acres on 
section i , La Grange Town.ship. Here he has since 
carried on general farming and now has his place 
under a high state of cultivation, and well im- 
proved. The fields are well tilled, fences are 
kept in good repair, and everything about the 
place is characterized bj- an air of neatness and 
thrift. Mr. Wall votes with the Republican 
part}', and has held some school offices. Sociallj-, 
he is connected with the Masonic fraternity. A 
man of sterling worth and strict integrit}', he is 
held in high regard bj- many friends, and we feel 
assured that this record of his life will prove of 
interest to many of our readers. 



A. F. ALEXAiNDP:R. 



61 F. ALEXANDER, a farmer residing on 
LI section 15, was born on the family homestead 
/ I in Linn Township, Walworth County, Au- 
gust 14, 1858, and has always lived in this place. 
His parents were Balthasar and Juliet (Fuller; 



Alexander. The father was bom in Berlin, Ger- 
many, about 1S22, and when nineteen A-ears of 
age he crossed the brin)- deep to the New World. 
Landing at New York, he took up his residence 
in Fairport, near Rochester, N. Y., where he 



26o 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 



made his home for a number of years, piviiig his 
time and atteiitioii to farm work. Hi- was there 
in:irrie<l in iS^ij t<> Miss I'liller. a native of the 
lunpire State, and tlie ri.lluwin^; year he hroiij^ht 
his family to Wisconsin, setthng near Milwaukee. 
Two years were thus jjassitl, hut on the expira- 
tion of that jxriiKl he sold his place anil returueil 
to the Kast. A year afterward, however, he again 
souj^ht a home in the Uadi^er State, and bought 
a farm in I, inn Township. Walworth County, of 
one hundretl and sixty acres. With characteristic 
energy he liegan its develi)i)nient, and in connec- 
tion with general farming he followed sheep-rais- 
ing. He was a quiet, yet enterprising, man, and 
was always intere.ste<l in giving his children goad 
e<lucational jirivileges. His death occurred at the 
homcof his daughter, Mrs. Byron Palmer, Janu- 
ary 2y, 1S92, while his wife passed away in Sep- 
tember, 1864. 



Skeels, a resident of Sharon. Wis.; and A. F. of 
this sketch. 

During his lK)yhi)od our subject attended the 
.schools of Linn Township, and afterward pursued 
his studies in Lake Geneva. He always livetl 
with his father, whom he aided in the farm work, 
fur at an early age he became familiar with all the 
duties of farm life. On the 6th of April. 1S82, he 
was united in marriage with Knuna Belle Young, 
of Greenwood, 111., daughter of Lewis Young. 
Two chihlren grace this union, Eva Juliette and 
Harr>- Balthasar. 

In his political views. Mr. Alexander has al- 
ways Ijeen a Republican, and is a stanch advocate 
of the principles of his party. In iSyj^ he was 
elected Clerk of Linn Township, and is now .serv- 
ing his second term. He also fille<l the office of 
Township Treasurer for one year. His entire 
life has been siKut in Linn Township, and his 



Mr. and Mrs. Alexander were the parents of career has been an honorable and upright one. 

.six children, four of whom are yet living. Cly- which has gained for him the confidence and good 

meua, wife of Byron S. Palmer, of Linn Town- will of the entire community. He is an energetic 

.ship; Therese. wife of David Mickle, who is also and wide-awake young man, and is recognized as 

living in Linn Township; Minerva, wife of John one of the leading farmers of the community. 



SAMUKL SMini. 



0.\.\iri';L .S.MITH, who resides on section 29, 
2\ Litni Township, is successfully engaged in 
\5/ general farming, and also intere.sted in the 
Kaye's Park Creamery, which is now doing a fine 
business. A native of the Empire State, he was 
l)orn in Elnyd Township, Oneida County, N. Y.. 
on the sth of December, 1850, and is of l%nglish 
descent. His grandfather. William S. Smith. 
sjxMit his entire life in luigland, and passed away 
when nearly one hundred years of age. 

The father of our subject also Ixjre the name 
of William S. Smith. He was Ijorn in Lin- 



colnshire, lingland. in 1S04, and when alwut 
thirty years of age came to the United States, lo- 
cating in Oneida County. N. Y., where he lived 
for several years. During that time he met and 
married Hannah Buskirk, a native of Oneida 
County. Six children were born to them, but 
only two are now living, .Samuel, and Nicholas, 
who makes his home in Buffalo, N. Y. Through- 
out his active life, William S. Smith followed 
farming. In 1852 he came to the West, and 
purchased land in Linn Township. Two years 
later he brought his family to the new home. and. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



261 



adding fort\- acres to his first purchase, he became 
the owner of a good farm of one hundred and 
twenty acres. For a year he did business as a 
partner of his brother, but after that was alone. 
A public-.spirited man, he took an active interest 
in the development and growth of this region, and 
for his sterling worth and strict integrity' was 
highly respected by all who knew him. In 
early days he was a Democrat, but after support- 
ing Buchanan joined the new Republican party, 
with which he ever afterward affiliated. He died 
December 7, 1873, at the age of .sixty-nine years. 

We now take up the personal history of our 
subject, who remained with his parents during 
his boj'hood, but on attaining his majority started 
out in life for himself. He went to Nevada, where 
he engaged in mining and in other occupations, 
spending thirteen years in the West. The year 
1884 witnessed his return to Wisconsin, and for 
three years he was employed at Kaye's Park. 
Since 1888 he has lived on the old homestead, 
where he is now engaged in general farming. 

In April, 188S, Mr. Smith was joined in wed- 



lock with Florence A. Wheeler, a native of Fond 
du Lac County, Wis., and one of the six children 
of William W. Wheeler. Her father was a native 
of New Hampshire, and her mother was born in 
Massachusetts, where their marriage was cele- 
brated. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two children, 
Claude Arthur and Clifford. 

In January, 1893, in company with several 
farmers of the neighborhood, Mr. Smith organized 
the Kaye's Park Creamery Company, which is 
now doing a handsome business, for the products 
of the creamer}' are as fine as can be found aii}-- 
where. For one year Arthur Kaye was Presi- 
dent of the company, and our subject Treasurer. 
He is a most enterprising and progressive man, 
and his thrift and pu.sli have made him one of the 
substantial citizens of the connnnnit}-. In politics, 
he has always been a Republican, and in 1891 
was elected on that ticket as a member of the 
Board of Supervisors of Linn Township, in which 
capacity he served for three years. Socially, he 
is a member of Sharon Lodge No. 116, A. F. & 
A. M., and of Lake Geneva Chapter, R. A. M. 



PROF C F. VIEBAHN. 



r^ROF. C. F. VIEBAHN, Superintendent of 
L/' the public .schools and Principal of the High 
[^ School of Watertown, occupies a prominent 
position among the leading educators of the State, 
his abilitj' and merit winning him a high rep- 
utation. A native of Germany, he was born in 
Cologne on the 20th of April, 1841, and is a son 
of Peter V. and Wilhelma (Deitenbach) Viebahn. 
His parents came to the United States in 1851, 
and took up their residence in Baraboo, Wis., 
from whence they removed to a farm near Maus- 
ton, this State, where their last days were passed. 
The father served as a Notary Public in Germany. 



After coming to this country he lived upon a 
farm, and took little part in public life. In the 
family were three children, two of whom are yet 
living: C. F., of this sketch; and William, a 
farmer of Blue Earth Citjs Minn. 

Prof. Viebahn attended the public schools of 
his native land until ten years of age, when he 
bade adieu to the home and friends of his boj'- 
hood, and came with his parents to the New 
World. He remained with his father upon the 
farm until eighteen years of age, when he began 
teaching .school. He was thus employed through 
the winter season, and in the summer months he 



262 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



attended college. He al.so became a student in 
the I'niversily of Wisconsin. Since that time his 
life work has l)eeii that of icachinj,'. In iSf)2 he 
became Principal of the sch<M)ls of Sauk City, and 
continued to fill that jiosition until 1869, with the 
excejUion of one year. Fruni 1.S70 until 1.S72 la- 
was County SujierintendentofSauk County, Wis., 
and in the latter year he liecame Principal of the 
schools of Manitowoc, a i)osition which he ac- 
ci'ptably filled for seven years. From 1H79 until 
18H1 he was County SujKrintendent of Manito- 
woc County, and for the i)ast thirteen years he 
has l)een Princi])al of the public .schools of Water- 
town. 

The present Hit;h School buildinp wa.s erected 
under the supervision of Prof. \'iel)ahn. The 
IniildiuK contains seven rooms, and in the Ilij;h 
ScIhxiI there is an average attendance of one hun- 



dred and twenty pupils. The gentleman who is 
at the head gives his entire time and attention to 
educational matters, and is ever earnestly lalv)r- 
ing for the advancement of the scIkkjIs which he 
has in charge. He has .succeeded in placing 
them on a high jilanc, raising the .standard of ex- 
cellence, until Walerlown may well be proud of the 
educational privileges which she affords. 

In 1.S67 Prof X'iebahn was united in marriage 
with Mi.ss Lona Fischer. The lady died in 1893, 
leaving one son, Z. O., who is the present City 
Ivngiiicer of Watertown. Our subject is a mem- 
ber of the Sons of Herman, and is a refined, 
courteous, genial gentleman, who wins friends 
wherever he goes. His long connection with the 
schools of Watertown well indicates his eflicienl 
service and his fidelity- to dut)-. 



XKWMAN M. ACKl-k. 



|Cji;\V.MAN M. ACKKR follows farming on 
nV section 27, Hloomfield Townsliip. Here he 
1^ owns and ojierates one hundred and ninety- 
seven acres of good land, and has made his liome 
thereon for thirty-eight years. His farm is one of 
the Ix'st in the neighborluKxl, being under a high 
state of cvdtivation, and well imjiroved with all 
m(Klern acces,sories and ccjuveniences. Neat and 
thrifty in appearance, it indicates to the pa.sser-by 
the careful supervision of the owner, who is re- 
garded as one of the leading agriculturists of the 
community. 

Mr. Acker was born in Livingston County, 
N. v., February 9, 1824. His grandfather, Al- 
bert Acker, was a native of Ivugland, and with a 
brother, John, crossed the briny deep to the New 
World, locating in New Jersey, whence he after- 
wards removed to New Voik. His brother lo- 



cated in Schoharie County of the lunpire State. 
Albert Acker was a shoemaker by trade, and also 
followed the occupation of farming. During the 
Re\-olutionary War, he aided the Colonies in 
their struggle for independence, and later drew a 
pension in recognition of his services. His death 
occurred at about the age of eighty years. In his 
family of eight children was Silas Acker, the father 
of our subject, who was born in New Jersey, but 
during the greater part of his life carried on agri- 
cultural pursuits in Livingston County, N. Y., 
where his death occurred in 1868, at the age of 
seventy-eight. He .served in the War of 1812. 
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Het.sy McClelland. Her father, Joseph Mc 
Clelland, was a native of Ireland, and l)ecame a 
fniner of Livingston County, N. V. 

The jiarents of our subject had a fainilN of six 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



263 



children, three of whom are yet living: Sallie 
Ann, wife of Alanson E. Warner, oflola, Kan.; 
Newman M.; and Samuel. Mr. and Mrs. Acker 
were both members of the Methodi.st Epi.scopal 
Church. After the death of his first wife, tlie 
father married Betsy John, and to them were born 
two children, Elizabeth and P'rances. For his 
third wife, Mr. Acker chose Mi.ss Phcebe Kerns, 
and their union was blessed with two children, 
Frank aud Rosina Sidona. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
remained on a farm in Livingston County, N. Y., 
until fifteen years of age, and then went to Avon, 
wliere he learned the blacksmith's trade, which 
he followed for about four years. On the expi- 
ration of that period, he once more turned his at- 
tention to agricultural pursuits. As a companion 
and helpmate on life's journey, he chose Miss 
Samantha Jane Richmond, and on the 19th of 
March, 1846, their marriage was celebrated. The 
lady is a daughter of Elisha and Elizabeth (Fow- 
ler) Richmond, natives of New York. 

In 1 849, Mr. and Mrs. Acker emigrated west- 
ward, locating iu Wisconsin, where our subject 
purchased a farm of eighty acres, to which he 
afterward added forty-two acres. In 1S51 he re- 
moved his family to that place, and there resided 
for five years, when they removed to their present 
home. Besides this farm, Mr. Acker owns one 
hundred and four acres elsewhere, and has be- 
come one of the substantial citizens of the comnui- 
nitv. Seven children were born of the union of 



our suljject and his wife, two sons and five daugh- 
ters. Wilbur Hoag married Agnes Ketchpaw, 
by whom he has two children, Lucina Jane and 
George Newman, and now makes his home in 
Ivlkhorn. Marvin Whitfield wedded Elizabeth 
Jane Gifford, who died leaving four children: Lu- 
ella, Georgie Ann, Maude and Lucy Mary. Lo- 
retta is the wife of Edwin Davis, of Bloomfield 
Township, by whom she has tliree sons: Newman, 
Claude and Marvin. Frances Jane is now de- 
ceased. Dollie Jane is the wife of Oscar Van 
D\ke, of Boone County, 111., by whom .she has a 
daughter, Alta May. Delia Retta is the wife of 
Myron Lambert. They live on the old homestead, 
and have two children, Jemiie Diantha and Pearl. 
Mary Elizabeth, the youngest of the family, is now 
deceased. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Acker are faithful and con- 
sistent members of the Methodist Church, in 
which he is now serving as Steward. The cause 
of temperance finds in him a warm friend, and he 
is nuich interested in the growth of temperance 
principles. In politics, lie is a supporter of the 
Republican party. He has witnessed the greater 
part of the development of Walworth Count}-, has 
seen its wild land transformed into beautiful homes 
aud farms, and has watched the growth of the 
towns and cities. In tlie work of public improve- 
ment and advancement he lias ever borne his part, 
and well deserves mention among the earlj- set- 
tlers. 



JESSE STONE. 



^ ESSE STONE, Vice-President of the Bank of native of Lincolnshire, liorn August 23, 1836, 

I Watertown, and a member of the firm of and is a son of William and Mary (Kent) Stone. 

C*/ Woodard &. Stone, cracker manufacturers, who were also natives of England, and in that 

claims England as the land of his birth. He is a country resided until 1842, when they sailed for 



264 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



America. The father was a Methodist minister, 
and locate<l in VVaterford, N. Y., where he was 
enKaRe<! in various kinds of Imsincss, and also 
servetl as City Road Master for a nnndH.r of years. 
He carrie<l on oixralions as a foundryman for 
some time, and at intervals enj;a};ed in preachinjj, 
hut accepted no regular pastorate. His death oc- 
curred in 1875, and his wife was called to the 
home lK.yond in 1876. Their marriage was 
lilesse-tl with the following children: Mrs. ICnima 
Tate, who resides in Waterford, N. V., Kli/a. 
Janus. Jes.se and Jason. 

The subject of this sketch was a child of niil> 
six snnjmers when, with his parents, he cro.s.sed the 
hriny deep to the New World. He was educated 
in the public sch<K)ls of Waterford, aoiuiring a 
practical Knglish e<lucation, and then began 
learning the machinist's trade, which he followed 
until twenty-eight years of age. The year 1867 
witnessed his removal from New York to Louis- 
ville, Ky., where he was engagetl in the bakery 
business for two years. On the expiration of that 
jK-riod he went to Chicago, in 1869, and there 
followed the .same business for a short time, but 
in Augn.st of that year became to Watertown, 
and purchased an interest with M. J. Woodard 
in the cracker manufactory. Tiiey al.so manu- 
facture confectionery. He at first bought a third 
interest, Ijeing associated with Woodard Hroll)- 



ers, but after a year became half-owner, and has 
since held that relation to the business. 

In 1S55 Mr. Stone Iwl to the marriage altar 
Miss Sarah J. Welch, and by their union was 
born a .son, William C., who is now engaged 
in business with his father. In his political views, 
Mr. Stone is a .stalwart Republican, and does all 
in his power for the success and welfare of his 
party. He has been honored with a lumitjer of 
offices, was elected and .served as School Commis- 
sioner for one term, and in 1879 was chosen as 
Representative of his district to the State Legis- 
lature. He di.scharged his duties so ably that in 
iS.Si he was re-elected, and during the latter 
term he scr\-ed as Chairman of the Committee on 
Claims, and as a member of the Railroad Com- 
mittee. He was a member of the Republican 
State Central Committee for several years, was a 
delegate to the National Repui)lican Convention 
in 1888, and again in 1892. For two years he 
served as a member of the staff of Gov. Hoard. 
Socially, Mr. Stone is very i)rominent in Masonic 
circles, and has taken the Thirty-second Degree. 
In connection with his other business interests 
he has .served as Vice-President of the Rank of 
Watertown since 1885. In all his undertakings 
he has been an active and earnest worker, and 
has therefore won a high degree of success, which 
is well deserved. 



\<vx i<Ariii-:K \\ w. coxDox. 



Ri:V. I-ATIII;K p. W. CONDON, pastor of erald Isle, and in a sailingves.sel cros.sed the 

St. Ikriiard's Church of \\ alertown, was ocean to Ontario, locating in Peterboro, Canada, 

lK)rn in Peterboro, Ontario, on the 2d of where the father followed farming. During the 

l''ei)ruary, i.Sv**, and is a son of Michael and Mar- Rebellion he served as a member of the regiment 

garet (O'Leary) Condon, who were natives of known as the Queen's Own. His wife is .still 

Mitchellstown, County Cork, Ireland. In i«2,s living in Peterboro. They had a family of .six. 

they bade adieu to friends and home on the lun sons and five daughters. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



265 



Father Condon was the fourth child of the fam- 
ily. He was educated in Montreal, and in 1864 
was graduated from St. Lawrence College, after 
which he was ordained and entered the ministry. 
He was then sent to New Orleans, and was on the 
first boat that went from St. Louis to that city af- 
ter the close of the war. He spent five years in 
New Orleans, having charge of St. Mary's Orphan 
Boys' Asylum. He also had charge of Jackson 
Barracks during the }ellow fever epidemic in 
1867. He suffered an attack of the fever, but 
his vigorous constitution and careful nursing 
brought him through all right. Later he was called 
back to Montreal and was made \'ice-President of 
St. Lawrence College, which position he occu- 
pied two years. He next went to Notre Dame, 
Ind., where he served as Prefect of Discipline for 
two j-ears, after which he was called to Cincin- 



nati, Ohio, and servxd as President of St. Joseph's 
College for one )-ear. 

In 1874, Father Condon came to Watertown 
and was President of Sacred Heart College here 
for five years. He was then again called to Notre 
Dame, just after the fire in that institution, and was 
once more Prefect of Discipline until 1 881, when 
we find him in Watertown. Here he .served 
as as.sistant pastor until 1886, when he was made 
pa.stor of St. Bernard's Church, which has a mem- 
bership of about three hundred families. There 
is a good house of worship, and through the in- 
strumentality of Father Condon a large two-story 
and basement schoolhouse was built. There are 
about one hundred and thirty pupils in attendance 
thereon, and church and school are now in a flour- 
ishing condition, owing to the earnest labors of 
the pastor. 



PHIPPS WALDON LAKE. 



r\HIPPS WALDON LAKE, one of the hon- 
Lr ored pioneers of Walworth County, who now 
M) follows farming on section 34, Walworth 
Town.ship, is one of the worthy citizens that New 
York has furnished this community. He was 
born April 23, 1824, in Virgil, Cortland County, 
and is a son of Phipps W. and Rebecca ( Beards- 
ley) Lake. The family is of English origin, but 
was founded in America during early Colonial 
days, and the grandfather of our .subject served in 
the Revolution. Mr. Lake, Sr., was born in 
Plainfield, N. Y., was reared upon a farm, and 
when quite a young man began preaching. In 
1839 he emigrated to the territory of Wisconsin, 
and purchased the farm on which our subject now 
re.sides, becoming owner of six hundred acres of 
land, which was then but partially improved. 
He engaged in the work of the ministry at differ- 
ent places, was a member of the Wisconsin Legis- 



lature (session of 1854), and made his home upon 
his farm until his death, which occurred in i860, 
at the age of seventy-two years. He was a pri- 
vate in the War of 18 12. The mother of our sub- 
ject was born in the Empire State, and was of 
Irish lineage. Her death occurred at the ripe old 
age of ninety-three. In their family were eight 
children: Polly, decea.sed; Beardsley, a retired 
farmer, now living in Harvard, 111.; Levi, also 
a retired farmer of Harvard; Lucretia, deceased; 
Rebecca, who is living in Dubuque, Iowa ; Phipps, 
of this sketch: and Mary and Sarah, twins. The 
latter reside in Walworth County. 

Mr. Lake, our .subject, was the sixth in order 
of birth. He was a youth of fifteen years when, 
with his parents, he left the East and came to 
Walworth County. To his father he gave the 
benefit of his services until he had attained his 
majority, when he left home and embarked in 



.-.^f^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



iiKrclianilisiiiK in Big Foot, 111. After a short 
time, however, he reniove<l to Aldeii, 111., and 
hiiilt the first store in that town. There he car- 
rie<l on bnsiness for three years, after which he 
sold ont and went to California, where he en;;a};ed 
in mining for a periiKl of four \ears. lie met 
with >;<xk1 success, and on the expiration of that 
I>eritKl relumed to Walworth County, and pur- 
cha.scd two hundred acres of the old homestead 
which tKlon>;ed to his father. It has since heen 
his place of residence and his time and attention 
arc now devote<l exclusively to agricultural pur- 
suits. 

On the iSth of XovcmlK-r, 1.S56, Mr. Lake was 
united in marriage with Miss Li/zie Latimer, who 
was born on the ist of January, 1832, in Mont- 
gomer>- County, X. V., and is the eldest in a fam- 
ily of three children, whose parents were Daniel 
au'l I';ii/al)eth (Coit) Latimer. Her sisters are 
Lsther A., wife of I). M. Shuler, of Ames, N.V., 
and Ll/.ina S., wife of Rev. W. Joy, of Mason, 
Mich. Mr. Latimer was born in the Ivmpire 
State, and was a farmer and carpenter. His 
death occurre<l at the age of eighty-five years. 
His father was one of the heroes of the Revolu- 



tion and wa.s of Englisli origin. The mother of 
Mrs. Lake was born in New York, and was 
called to her final rest at the age of seventy-three. 
She was of Welsh descent, and was a memlx-r 
of the Ba])tist Church. Three children graced 
the union of our sulyect and his wife, but the 
eldest died in infancy. Lillie M. is the wife of 
Fred Rector, a resident of Alden, 111.; and Dan- 
iel died at the age of fourteen years. 

Mr. Lake manifested his loyalty to the Go\ ern- 
ment during the late war by enlisting, November 
27, KS^ii.as a private in Company K, Sccon<l 
Wisconsin Cavalr\'. He served for six months, 
after which he was honorably di.scharged on ac- 
count of ill health. He takes quite an active part 
in local politics, and is a stanch supporter of the 
principles of the Republican party. He has sens- 
ed as Justice of the Peace for a number of years. 
In religious belief he is a Baptist. There are only 
three settlers in Walworth Township who were 
living in this locality at the time of his arrival. 
He is therefore nunil)ered among the pioneers, 
and in the work of development and progress 
he has ever borne his part. 



S. M. I^A'IOX. 



^) \1 LAT()N. wild is ]>romiueiitl\- coiniecled 
/\ with the business interests of Whitewater, 
tJf is now proprietor of the Badger State Bottling 
Works. A native ol Canada, he was born near 
Kingston, on the 2'>th of December, 1.S32, and is 
a son of Almon R. and Oriisa (Haskins) liaton. 
His ])arents were both natives of the Green Moun- 
tain State, iiut at an earl\- day they removed from 
\'ermont to Canada, and llience went to New 
York, where thiy made their home until 1S42, 
which year witiiesst-d their arri\al in Wisconsin. 
They first settled in Whitewater, and the father 



purchased a tnict of Government land, which was 
heavily timbered, but with characteristic energy 
he began to clear it of the trees, and in course of 
time IkuI ])lowed and pl:inted the fields and trans- 
formed it into a gootl farm. He there made his 
home until his death, which occurred in his eighty- 
second \ ear. There were no railroads when he 
came to the West, and he made the journey by 
wagon, the trip consuming several weeks. In 
the family were three sons and a daughter, namely: 
Saphreness M.; Caroline, wile of James Fryer, of 
Jefferson County; Rev. Iv. L. , pastor of the Meth- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



269 



odist Episcopal Church of Milwaukee; and Chaun- 
cey, who is now deceased. The ancestors of this 
faniil)' crossed the Atlantic in the historic "May- 
flower. ' ' Francis Eaton made the voyage in 1620, 
and several years later was joined by his brother 
Benjamin. Among their descendants was Gen. 
Eaton, one of the heroes of the Revolutionarj- 
War. 

When our subject was a child of ten years, he 
accompanied his parents on their removal to the 
Badger State. In the u.sual manner of farmer lads 
he was reared to manhood, remaining under the 
parental roof until he had attained his majority. 
His education was acquired in an old log .school- 
house, and when a young man he learned the 
carpenter's trade, which he followed as a means of 
livelihood for twelve years. At length he changed 
his occupation. In 1865 he went to Fond du Lac 
and established the first bottling works in that 
town. He there carried on business until the fall 
of 1S67, when he came to Watertown, and aLso 
established the first bottling works at this place. 
He has since continued in the business, and it 
has proved to him a profitable venture. He is 
also a dealer in ice. He built the first ice-houses 



in Watertown, and has since supplied the city with 
that commodity, putting up four thousand tons 
each year. 

In 1853 Mr. Eaton was united in marriage 
with Miss Eleanor Green, and to them have been 
born four children, three of whom are yet living: 
Frank, who with his father is interested in the 
bottling works; Clarence C, who is now the edi- 
tor of the Columbus Democrat; Mrs. Ella Aberle; 
and Edward, decea.sed. The last-named was for 
several years an employe of the Michigan Central 
Railroad Company, and at the time of his death 
was chief freight agent. 

His fellow-citizens, appreciating his worth and 
ability, have frequently called upon Mr. Eaton to 
serve in positions of public trust. He has been 
Alderman of the Fourth Ward for four terms, and 
has served as President of the Council for two 
terms. In politics, he is a .stalwart Republican, 
unswerving in his allegiance to the principles of 
his party. Socially, he is a Knight Templar 
Ma.son. He has long been recognized as one of 
the most progressive citizens of Watertown, and 
his support and co-operation are ever to be de- 
pended upon in behalf of worthy public enterprises. 



JAMES WEED. 



(Tames weed, one of Walwonh County's 
I .self-made and successful men, now resides on 
(*/ section i, Sharon Township. He was born 
in Beiniington County, -\'t., in October, 1822, 
and is a son of Ira and Thankful Weed. The 
father, a native of Long Island, removed with his 
parents at an early day to the Green Mountain 
State. Both he and his father were heroes of the 
Revolution, and were compelled to remove to 
Vermont on account of the persecutions of the 
Tories. An uncle, James Weed, and his father 



were in the War of 181 2, and the grandfather re- 
cruited a company of riflemen, which he com- 
manded, with the rank of Captain. He had served 
as Major in the struggle for independence, and 
made a .successful raid on the British in Canada, 
capturing one hundred and one prisoners, whom 
he brought back to the United States. He was 
a strict disciplinarian, but was extremely popular 
with his men, and he and his two sons ser^'ed with 
distinction throughout the war. Capt. Weed was 
of Scotch descent, and came of the same family to 



13 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



whali Tliurlow Wcxd, »i New York. tK.l()Mged. 
After the war, he lixik up his residence alnnit two 
hiiiulre<l miles from his t)ltl home, settling in 
kichniond, N. V.. where he followed farming, 
lie was also a fnr-dealer and a great trader, and 
held a numl>er of offices. He died when the sub- 
ject of this sketch was a small hoy. 

The father of our subject, Ira Weed, was an 
extensive farmer, and owne<l one thousand acres 
of land in Vermont. He too took a very promi- 
nent ])art in [Mililics, supjiorted the Whig party, 
and held many offices. For many years he ser\ed 
as Selectman of his town. With the Congrega- 
tional Cliurcii he held niend>ership, and lived an 
honorable, straightforward life. He was married 
in Vermont to Thankful Phillips, a native of that 
State, and they became the parents of five children: 
Shennan, Ira, James, Charlotte and Ruth. The 
father died in Vermont, August 2<S. 1867, and 
the mother passe<l away .several years previou.sly. 

Upon the old homestead fann James Weed was 
reared to manhood, and has throughout life fol- 
lowed agricultural i)ursnits, notwithstanding the 
fact that at the age of nine years he became quite 
lame, as the result of an attack of the measles, 
which left him with only the partial use of his legs. 
Since that time he has Ixjen compelled to go on 
crutches; yet a resolute purpose and a determined 
effort have causetl him to push his way onward 
and upward, and he has met with excellent suc- 
cess, l)e-e-oming a wealthy man. For a short time 
he followed the trade of shoemaking, and for a 
year conducte<l a gHK'ery. His school ])rivileges 
were limited, but his mother was a .scIum)! teacher, 
and assisted him in securnig a ]iractical English 
education. 

Mr. Weed was married in X'ennttnl, December 
2S, 1853, to Caroline Rice, and to them were 
liorn six children. Charles S.. born January 27, 
1.S5.S, aids in the ojieration of the home farm; 
Flora L., liorn'Deceniber 8, 1S57, is the wife of 
Edward Rodman, of Iowa; Charlotte I., born May 
14, 1863, died January 5, 1865; Henry W., born 
February 6, 1868, died on the ist of March of that 
year; Henry W.. l)orii I'"ebruar.v 20, 1870, is now 
carrying on a beautiful sunnner hotel at Mettowee 
Park; and Kate, who was l>orn December i, 1872, 



died March 6, 1873. (Jn llie jjd of Febniary, 
1S92. Henry Weed was united in marriage with 
Miss Betlie Lois Gates, daughter of Franklin 
Gates. 

In 1868, Mr. Weed .s(jld his old home in the 
Green Mountain State, and in October came to 
Walworth County, Wis. Soon after his arrival 
he purchaseil the farm on which he now lives, 
and has made his home here during the greater 
part of the time since, although from 1S84 until 
1891 he resided on a farm in Delavan Township, 
and in the village. He has here two hundred 
acres of valuable land, and has two hundred 
and sixty acres in Mettowee Park. For many 
years he engaged in raising fine stock, making a 
specialty of breeding sheep and thorough-bred 
trotters. For a time he had a trial track upon his 
farm for training and breaking. His sons still 
continue the business, and now own several fine 
horses. 

In his political views, Mr. Weed is a Democrat, 
vet is not bound by party ties. He has occupied 
official positions of trust, in which he di.schargcd 
his duties with the same fidelity which has always 
been one of his characteristics in both ])ublic and 
private life. He has been a very successful busi- 
ness man, and by his indomitable energy has over- 
come the difficulties which would have caused 
many a man of le.ss resolute will to falter. 

Mettowee Park, which is the property of James 
Weed, is one of the fine summer resorts of Wis- 
consin. It is situated on Lake Delavan, and com- 
prises two hundred and sixty acres of beautiful 
land, including sixty acres of wood land. He 
gave the name of Mettowee to the park in memory 
of a river near his old home in \'ermont. The 
name is of Indian origin, and denotes healing 
finalities, its original meaning in the English lan- 
guage l)eing "clear, sparkling and healing," and 
the water of the old .sj)riug was eagerly sought by 
the aborigines, who carrie<i it away in leather 
bags, to be u.setl for its healing properties. The 
water, after careful analysis, has been found to 
contain medicinal qualities, and from this old 
river Mettowee Park was named. On the beach, 
Mr. Weed built a large and beautifid hotel some 
four years since, being associated in the enterprise 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



271 



with his son Henry. This commands a fine view 
of the lake and surrpunding countr}', and near it 
are situated manj- lovely cottages for the accom- 
modation of people who do not wish hotel life. 
The main hotel is four stories in height; the first 
floor contains an elegant office and dining-room, 
the second fine private parlors and gue.st cham- 
bers, the third gnest chambers, while the fourth 
is u,sed as an observatorj'. The hotel is sur- 
rounded by an elegant broad and shady veranda, 
from which the guests can view the yacht races 
and other .sports, as well as the fine natural .scen- 
ery. Anong other attractions are an excellent bill- 
iard hall and bowling allej', and twenty row- 
boats are kept on the lake. The hotel and cot- 



tages will accommodate two hundred and fifty 
pensons. 

Henry Weed, a wide-awake and enterprising 
young business man, has been the active and effi- 
cient manager of the hotel since its completion, 
and it is due to his energy and good business abil- 
ity that Mettowee Park has acquired its high rep- 
utation as a first-class summer resort. The situa- 
tion is such that the hotel and grounds get the 
benefit of all the summer breezes, the fi.shing is 
very fine in the vicinity, and for the genuine dis- 
ciple of Izaak Walton the location presents many 
charms. The comforts of the home and the de- 
lights of a vacation may be there secured at the 
same time. 



HON. WILLIAM MEADOWS. 



HON. WILLIAM MEADOWvS, who for many 
years has been connected with the leading 
business interests of Walworth County, now 
resides on section 2, Lyons Town.ship, and is 
Secretary, Treasurer and general manager of the 
Brick & Tile Manufacturing Companj-, of Bur- 
lington. He was born in Bolton, Lanca.shire, 
England, on the 6th of July, 1833, and is a son of 
George and Elizabeth (Greenwood) Meadows. 
His father was a manufacturer of cotton fabrics. 
His parents were married February 28, 1825, and 
to them were born eight children: Sarah, decea.sed; 
Ellen, widow of Joseph Wimpenney. of Burling- 
ton, Wis.; Ann, wife of Charles Norton, of Albert 
Lea, Minn.; Mary, deceased; William; Elizabeth, 
wife of H. I. Hawks, of Lyons Town.ship; and 
John G. and George, who are also living in Lyons 
Township. 

When our .subject was a child of nine years, the 
family emigrated to America, and in New York 
he acquired his education. The}- remained in 
Otsego County for two years, afterwards spent six 



)-ears in Rome, N. Y., and in iS=;i came to Wis- 
consin, locating near Burlington, Racine County, 
where the parents resided until 1855, when they 
came to Lyons Town.ship. The father purcha.sed 
two hundred and eighty acres on sections i and 
2, and has .since made his home on the farm 
which he there improved. 

William Meadows now resides on a part of the 
old homestead, owning one hundred and thirty- 
five acres on section 2. He gave his father the 
benefit of his services until he had attained his 
majority, and then worked for him as a farm 
hand, for $16 per month. On the 26th of Decem- 
ber, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Ann Armstrong, a lady of Scotch descent, and to 
them were born three children: George C, born 
January 7, 1861; William J., March 26, 1864; 
and Elizabeth, who was born January 13, 1868, 
and is now the wife of R. F. Hetherington, of 
Milwaukee. 

In the spring of i860 Mr. Meadows began 
farming for him.self on section 2, Lyons Township, 



PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAI'HICAL RECORD. 



when- hf had one liiuulre<l and ten acres of land. 
In i.sr)o he Itc^an ninning a tlireshinK-niacliine, 
anil did a sucvcs.sful luLsines-s in that way for 
twenty years. In 1865 he embarked in another 
eiilen>nsi". hiiyinK wool for the eastern markets, 
an<l every year since that lime lias Ixmnht from 
one hnndre<l thonsand to two hundred thousand 
jKinnds, makiuK more extensive shipments of that 
conunodily than any other dealer in Walworth 
County. In 1887, in connection with several 
others, he fonned a .st(xk ci)in|)any, with a capital 
sl<Kk of S.V'.ooo, for the maiuifaclnrc of brick and 
drainlile, in I?urlin.i;ton, and from the IxKinuinK 
he has l)een Secretary, Treasurer and j;eueral 
manaj;er. His business interests have lx.tMi ably 
c-arried on, and close application, earnest effort 
and a resolute purpose have won him success. 

Mr. and Mrs. Meadows lx)th attend the Meth 
odisl Iv]iist.-opal Church, to which the lady belongs. 
He is a UR-mlxr of IJurlinjjton Lod^^e No. 28, 
A. F. &. A. M., and of the Wisconsin Scottish 
Rite Consistory of Milwaukee. Since j^roudly 
casting his first Presidential vote for John C. 
Fremont, he has lK;en a stanch supporter of the 
men and measures of the Reiuiblican party, and 
has Ikx-u honored with various offiix-s. He .si-rved 
as SchfHjl Treasurer for several years, was Chair- 



in.in of the Hoard of Supervisors in 1876, 1877, 
1S78 and 188.?, and in Decenil)er. iSSo, was 
elected to the General A.ssenibly. He was also 
elected .Mteriiate to the National Convention 
which nominated James G. Hlaine. In 1880 he 
was elected Vice-jiresideiit of the Walworth Coun- 
ty Ajiricultural Society, and in 1881 was made 
President of the same society. 

Mr. Meadows, when in the Legislature, intro- 
duced a bill providiuj^that the polls be kept oi>eii 
continuously from the regular time in the morn- 
ing until the closing hour, so that laboring men 
could lia\ea chance to vote at the luion hour, and 
thus lose no lime from llieir work. This filled a 
long-fell want, and .Mr. Meadows was highly 
comi)linieiitcd upon the bill. He also introduced 
another bill for the appropriation of S75 per an- 
num for the Wool Growers' Association, to enable 
llicni to jniblish a yearly report. He is a wide- 
awake and progressive man, alive to the best in- 
terests of the community, and all enterprises 
which he believes calculated to prove of ])ublic 
benefit receive his hearty support and co-operation. 
He h.is il.mc much for the uiibuilding of this 
ciininiuiiily, and his name is iiuseparably connected 
with its historv. 



I). ( iH)kri":R 



c !■! )K 1 I.K. llic owner ol I'onlaiia Park, 
III Walworth Township, claims .Massachu- 
M-tts as the State of his nativity, his birlh 
liavnig occurretl in Ashfield, F'ranklin Count> , 
September 16, 1815. The P<irter family is of 
Scotch origin. The great-grandfather of our sub- 
ject, Rev. Nehemiah Porter, was a Presbyterian 
minister, wlu) served as Chaplain in the Revolu- 
tionary War. His death occurred in Ma.s.sachu 
.setts at the great age of one hundred vears. Jo- 
seph Porter, the grandfather of I). C. , was a farmer 



by occu])ation, and died at the age of eighty-four 
years. Nathan Porter, the father of our subject, 
was also burn in Ashfield, and followed farming 
throughout his entire life, with the exception of 
seven years .spent in the home c>f our subject in 
Wisconsin. He was called to his final rest at the 
ril>e old age of ninety-four. His wife, who bore 
the maiden name of I\li/abelh Taylor, was a na- 
tive of the Hay State, and died at the age of fifty- 
three. 

The common .schools affordetl I). C. Porter his 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



273 



educational privileges, and he remained at home 
the greater part of the time until he had at- 
tained his majority, when he bade adieu to friends 
and native State and started westward. He first 
located in Dover, Ohio, near Cleveland, where he 
engaged in collecting and farming for a year. At 
the expiration of that period he came to the terri- 
tor}' of Wisconsin, and after looking over the 
country for about a month he cast in his lot with 
the early settlers of Walworth County. Later, he 
returned to Ohio, where, in the autumn of 1839, 
he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Jane 
Hanchet, of Dover, Ohio. 

Mr. Porter then brought his bride to the new 
home in the West, and purchased forty acres of 
Government laud near Lake Geneva. It was still 
in its primitive condition, but with characteristic 
energj- he began its development, and continued 
its cultivation for four years. He then sold out, 
and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of 
land in Walworth Township, at the head of Ge- 
neva Lake, where he carried on agricultural pur- 
suits for a number of years. In 1873 he pur- 
cha.sed sixty-six acres of timber-land on the shore 
of the lake, and developed the same into what is 
now known as Fontana Park, one of the most 
beautiful parks along the .shores of Wi.sconsin's 
far-famed lake. This was formerly a part of the 
camping-ground belonging to the Indian chief. 
Big Foot, and is now one of the leading and 
lovely summer resorts of Walworth Countj-. 



Twenty cottages and houses have there been built, 
and each summer people come to this delightful 
place for rest and recreation, and to escape from 
the heat and turmoil of the city. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Porter were born eight 
children, iiamel\-: Dwight W., who died in in- 
fanc)-; Eliza Jane, now the wife of Charles Stev- 
enson, a resident of Oneida, Kan.; Amelia N., 
who died at the age of twenty -eight years; Addie 
M., wife of Leonard Church, of whom mention is 
made on another page of this work; Dorick and 
William P., who follow farming in Kansas; Les- 
ter C, a farmer of Walworth Town.ship; and 
David W., who is as.sociated with his father in 
business. The mother of this family was called 
to her final rest in February, i88g. 

Mr. Porter advocates Republican principles, 
having voted with that party since its organiza- 
tion. He has served as Chairman of the Board 
of Supervisors, and has held various township of- 
fices, discharging his duties with promptness 
and fidelity. A self-made man, he has worked 
his way upward unaided, save by his own ster- 
ling qualities. His enterprise and industrj- stood 
him in.stead of capital, and bj* perseverance and 
good management he has acquired a comfortable 
competence. His word is as good as his bond, 
his life has been well and worthily pa.ssed, and 
he is respected alike by young and old, rich and 
poor. 



JOHN HABHEGGER. 



(TOHN HABHEGGER is one of the enter- 
I pri.sing and progressive citizens of Watertown , 
C2/ being engaged in business as a member of the 
firm of Jossi & Habhegger, manufacturers of 
cheese. He is a native of the Canton of Berne, Swit- 
zerland, born April 19, 1844, and is a son of John 



and Anna (Snethi) Habhegger. His parents 
emigrated to the United States in 1853, and took 
up their residence in Watertown. The father en- 
gaged in fanning for two years, after which he 
carried on merchandising in Watertown for some 
time. In 1877 he left that place, and removed to 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Ft. Alkmsoii. W In.. wIrh- lu- wasLiiKaged in the was aRain slightly wounded by a g:un-shot, in his 

iiisuramc liiisintss until his diatli, wiiich iKCiirrcd rinht side. AnKtug the last engagements with 

in 1890. In his family were eleven children, eight which he was connected were the siege and capture 

of whom are yet living, fnur S4)nsand fourdaugh- of Spanish Fort and Ft. Blakeley. On the 4lh of 



lers: I'hicli, Mrs. l-). hehmann, Fred, Gixlfrey, 
Barbara. Margaret, John and lA-na. All are now 
married. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
was a lad of nine summers when, with his parents, 
he cros.sed the Atlantic. Since that time he has 
been a resident of JefTerson County, and has In- 
come widely and favorably known. His early 
education was acijuire<l in the si-hools of his na- 
tive land, and was sii]>plemented by study in the 
public .schools of this locality. After coming to 
Wisconsin he aided his father in the cultivation 
of the farm, but s\il)se<iuently learned the butcher's 
trade, which he followed until 1.S62. 

In that year, Mr. I labhegger laid aside all busi- 



July, 1865, he was honorably discharged at Mo- 
bile, Ala., having for three years, on many a 
.southern battle-field, faithfully followed the Old 
Flag which now floats triumphantly over a united 
nation. 

After his return home, Mr. I labhegger worked 
for his brother a short time, and in 1867 he em- 
barked in merchandising in Watertown, continu- 
ing business along that line until i8y2. In i8yu, 
he became associated with Mr. Jossi in the man- 
ufacture of cheese, and is now giving his entire 
time and attention to that enterprise. 

Mr. Habhegger was married in 186S to Miss 
Alena Schullz, a native of Watertown, and six 
children have l)een born of their union: Kmma, 



ness pursuits to enter the service of his ado])te<l Charles J., Bertha, Hattie, Anna and Margaret. 



country. He joine<l the I'nion army, becoming 
a mend)er of Company 1), Twenty-third Wiscon- 
sin Infantry, and .servc<l until the close of the war 
with the rank of Corporal. He participated in 
the battles of Chicka.saw Bayou, Arkansas Po.st. 
Oreenville, Cyjjrus liend. ('.rand (iulf. Port (iib- 



Mr. Habhegger has led a bu.sj- and useful life, but 
has found time to devote to public interests, and 
has served as Alderman and ,Supervisor, and wa.s 
Deputy-Collector of Internal Revenue under Pres- 
ident Cleveland's first adniini.stration. He is now 
a mendier of the School Board, and is recognizetl 



son, Chami)ion Hills, Black River Hridge. the as one of the leading and enterprising citizens of 

siege of N'ickburg, and others. At X'icksburg he Watertown. He holds memlK-nship with several 

was wonnde<l by a gun-shot. He afterward i)ar- civic societies, and also belongs to the Grand Arm>- 

tici])ated in the battles of Jack .son, Carrion Crow nflhe Re])ublic. 
Hayiiu and Mansfield. I,a., and at the last named 



IJAM.S 11. WILLIS. 



b 



ICWl.S II. Wll.I.l.S, a representative farmer mother, who bore the maiden name of ICliza- 

of Delavan Township, residing on section 2.^, beth Hoyt, was lx)rn in F'airfield County, Conn., in 

was born in Sparta. Livingston County, N'. 1787. Their marriage was celebrated in 181 1, 

v.. June 14, 1817. His father, Williant Willis, in Scipio, Cayuga County, N. Y., and to them 

was a native of Ivngland. born in 1783. His were born six children: Norwood, who died and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



275 



was buried in Clinton Cemeten,', Rock County, 
Wis.: Cornelia, who became the wife of Philan- 
der Bowers, and after his death married D. M. 
Tallman; Eliza, who died and was laid to rest 
in the Clinton Cemetery; Lewis H. of this sketch; 
Hainiah, who died and was buried by the side 
of her brother and sister; and Harriet, who died 
in Castile, Genesee County, N. Y. In 1S44 
William Willis came with his family to the West 
and located in Clinton, Rock County, Wis., where 
he died the following A-ear. His wife, who sur- 
vived him until 1867, was laid by his side in Clin- 
ton Cemetery. Her father was Capt. Gilbert Hoyt, 
a prominent man in military affairs, who ser\-ed 
seven years in the Revolution, first as a private 
and afterward as a Captain. He lived to the age 
of eighty -eight years. 

Our subject was a farmer by occupation. He 
began life for himself on attaining his majority, 
and by teaching school secured enough money 
to found a home in the West. In 1S40 he came 
to the Badger State, and from the Goverinneut 
entered eighty acres of land, for which he paid 
the regular price of $1.25 per acre. In the fall of 
1844, he bouglit fort)- acres additional; in 1861 
added foity-one acres; and in 1880, by another 
purchase, enlarged his farm to a tract of two 
hundred and forty acres. 

On the 17th of May, 1842, in the town of Spring, 
Crawford County, Pa., was celebrated the mar- 
riage of Mr. Willis and Miss Mary Bowers, a na- 
tive of Cayuga County, N. Y. She was born Maj- 
16, 1817, and was educated in Middleburj-, Wy- 
oming County, N. Y. Mr. Willis acquired his 
education in the academy at Castile, and for sev- 
eral years successfully engaged in teaching, llpon 
his marriage he located upon his present farm, and 
it has been his home continuously since. Seven 
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Willis. Arthur, 
who was born March 18, 1843, married Amelia 
E.sterley and resides in Ottawa, Kan.; Sarah, who 
was born March 28, 1845, became the wife of 
Charles Howe, of New York, and died in 1884, 
leaving one son, Charles, who now resides with his 
grandparents and is twelve years of age; Charles, 



the next of the family, died in infancy, aged twenty 
months; Charles P., who was born April 19, 1849, 
wedded Ann Irons and is living in Harvej- County, 
Kan.; Reed, who was born March 5, 185 1, died 
September 14, 1877; George, born June 7, 1853, 
married Flora Williams and moved to Kansas, but 
after nine years returned to Wisconsin, and is now 
operating the old homestead farm; Hattie, born 
June 19, 1856, was married March 31, 1886, to 
Charles Howe, of Lake Count)-, 111., and died 
July 28, 1890. 

Mr. Willis is one of the charter members of the 
East Delavan Bapti.st Church, which was organ- 
ized on the i4tli of February', 1845. He is the 
only member who has been connected with the 
church during its entire exi.stence. His first wife 
having died, he was married, August 21, 1872, to 
Miss Elizabeth Adriance, who was bom and edu- 
cated in Scipio, N. Y., and is the youngest of 
nine children whose parents were Jacob and Au- 
rilla (Hunt) Adriance, the former a native of the 
Empire State, and the latter of Connecticut. Mrs. 
Willis is also a member of the Baptist Church. 

In his political affiliations, our subject is 
a Republican. He has sened as Supervisor, 
and was a member of the School Board for 
thirty years. He was also Justice of the Peace 
for twenty years, and was School Commission- 
er for one year. His long-continued service 
in public office well indicates the faithfulness and 
fidelity with which he has di.scharged the duties 
connected therewith. He is a self-made man, for 
he started out in life emptj-'handed and steadily 
worked his way upward, acquiring through his 
own well-directed efforts his present possessions. 
He is now practicalh' living retired, enjoying a 
well-earned rest, yet still resides on the old home- 
stead, which is operated bj' his son George. A 
well-known and highl)' respected citizen of the 
community, he has many warm friends. He has 
lived in Walworth County since territorial days, 
his residence here covering more than half a cen- 
tury, and therefore well deserves mention among 
the honored pioneers. 



276 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



|AMi:S LALUl-RDALK. 



(|A.\U;S I.ArDlvRDAMC, ilctxascd, was horn 
I ill Caiiil)ri<lj{i". X. V., on the 29II1 of August, 
O iSi.l. His fatlar, Ivhvard Laudcnlalc, was 
a native of Scollaiul. and came of an old faniilv of 
that coiintn-. Having attained Ills majority, he 
married Janet I-Uliott, and to them were l)orn ten 
children, seven sons and three dan^jhters. 

Our snl)ject spent his early life in his native 
village, and attended the ])nl)lic and select schools. 
thus acquiring a fair ICnglish edncation. Under 
the parental r(x>f he remained until twenty-one 
years of age, when he started ont in life for him- 
self. He iK-gan to earn his own livelihood l>y 
working as a farm hand l>y the month for his 
father, and later he o])erated a farm on shares. 
Until 1S42, he coiitinuetl to make his home in the 
Kmpire State, but in that year left the East and 
came to Walworth County, Wis. The jonriiey 
westward was matlehy way of the Lakes to Mil- 
waukee, and thence across the country by team to 
his destination. Here he made a claim of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of land on section 25, La 
Grange Township, purchasing the same from the 
{loveriimenl at the usual ])rice of 5' 25 per acre. 
This was bought in the fall of 1.S41 , and the family 
came in 1S42. It was all \\il<l hiiid, upon which 
not a furrow had been turned or an improvement 
made, but his lalxirs stjon wt)rked a wonderful 
traiisfornialion. To afford tcmixirary shelter, he 
erecte<l a shanty 12x10 feet, without windows or 
doors, and s<M>n after erecte<l a substantial log cab- 
in, which occupie<l the site of the i)re.sent fine 
residence of to-<lay. 

Ivre coming to the West, Mr. Lauderdale was 
inarriefl, the lady of his choice being Mi.ss Marga- 
ret Stewart, daughter of J. P. aiul Janet ( Mc- 
Naughton) Stewart, natives of Scotland. Their 



marriage was celebrated Ma> 11. 1.S41. Mrs. 
Lauderdale was one of a family of three sons and 
seven daughters, and was born on the 14th of No- 
vember, 1815. To her husband she proved a 
faithful companion and helpmate, and like him is 
numbered among the honored jiionecr settlers of 
Walworth County. They went through all the 
exjjeriences and hardships of frontier life, and 
while the husband was working in the fields she 
was busy in caring for the little home. Soon after 
his arrival, Mr. Lauderdale iKmght an ox -team, 
and at once began to clear and improve his farm. 
His nearest market was at Milwaukee. As time 
passed and his farm produce increa.sed his finan- 
cial i>ossessions, he extendeil the boundaries of his 
farm until he became the owner of five hundred 
acres of rich land, which is under a high .state of 
cultivation. He placed uiion it good buildings 
and added all the accessories and impro\emeiits of 
a model farm. In 1855 his pleasant home was 
erected, and still .stands as a momuneiit to his thrift 
and enterprise. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Lauderdale were born five 
children: James Iv, who now follows fanning in 
Walworth County; John H., who makes his home 
in Ivlkhorn: Amanda J., wife of D. J. Williams, a 
leading agriculturist of La Grange Township: and 
Mary Iv, wife of C. 15. Williams. The latter now 
resides with Mrs. Lauderdale, and Mr. Williams 
travels as a salesman on the road. Walter, the 
youngest of the family, is a fanner, and is also 
engaged in dairying. 

Formally years, Mr. Lauderdale was recognized 
as one of the ])rominent and influential citizens of 
Walworth Coiiiit\ . He lield the office of Super- 
visor for seventeen years, together with many other 
IcK-al oflkes; in 1S52 was elected to the State Leg- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



277 



islature, and after the organization of the Repub- 
lican party he became its candidate and was elected 
as Representative from his district. In official po- 
sitions he was always true and faithful, laboring 
for the best interests of those whom he represented. 
He aided in laying out the roads and in organiz- 
ing the schools districts of his township, and took 



an active intere.st in everything pertaining to the 
welfare of the community and its upbuilding. 
He held membership with the Presbyterian 
Church, and lived an honorable, upright life, well 
worthy of emulation. His death occurred March 
13, 1888, and he was buried in Round Prairie 
Cemeterj'. 



JOHN TAYLOR. 



(TOHN TAYLOR is the owner of two hundred 
I and eighty-nine acres on sections 23 and 26, 
O La Grange Township. This is one of the 
be.st farms in the neighborhood. The land is a 
rich and arable tract, and the care and cultivation 
be.stowed upon it have transformed it into rich 
and fertile fields. Good buildings and other im- 
provements have been placed thereon, and it is a 
country home complete in all its appointments. 
Mr. Taylor claims England as the land of his 
birth, which occurred in Yorkshire, on the 7th of 
June, 1835. His parents, George and Ann 
(Greaves) Taylor, were both natives of Yorkshire. 
There the father followed farming until 1854, 
when, on a sailing-vessel, he crossed the Atlantic, 
landing at New York City after a voyage of 
seven weeks. He did not tarry long in the East, 
however, but came at once to Walworth County, 
becoming a resident of La Grange Township, 
where his remaining days were passed. His 
death occurred on the 15th of March, 1889, at the 
age of eighty-.seven years, and he was laid to rest 
in Round Prairie Cemetery. He held meml^er- 
ship with the Episcopal Church, and was a high- 
ly respected citizen. His wife passed away on 
the ist of December, 1887, and was buried in the 
same place. 

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor was cel- 
ebrated in 1833, and was blessed with eight chil- 
dren, as follows: John; Mary, widow of James 



Means, of La Grange Township; Martha, wife of 
H. H. Wade, a resident farmer of Richmond 
Town.ship; Sarah, widow of William Jackson, 
who carried on agricultural pursuits in La Grange 
Township; Joshua, who died in infancy; William, 
a farmer of La Grange Township; Elizabeth, wife 
of Charles Wishert, an agriculturist of Blue Earth 
County, Minn.; and George, who follows farming 
in La Grange Township, on the old homestead. 

John Taylor received very limited school priv- 
ileges, but his training at farm labor was not 
meagre. When old enough to handle the plow 
he began work in the fields, and soon became 
familiar with farm life in all its details. He ac- 
companied his parents on their emigration to 
America in 1854, and remained with them until 
twenty-seven years of age, when he went to a 
home of his own. 

It was then that Mr. Taylor was united in 
marriage with Miss Eunice Brooks, the wedding 
being celebrated on the 27th of May, 1862. The 
lady was born in Madison County, N. Y., March 
17, 1843, and is a daughter of Martin and Emily 
(Williams) Brooks. To them were born ten 
children, and the family circle yet remains un- 
broken bj- the hand of death. Henrj' and Annie 
are still at home. Charlie married Florence Crooks, 
and they ha\'e two children, Sibert and Elizabeth. 
Willie wedded Mary Phmis, and they have one 
child, Altha. Cornelia is the wife of O. Traner, 



278 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



a rtsitli-iit tariiKT i«i Mimusota. Martha. Kate. 
John, Iuinictaii<l( )li\t:iri- still iimkr tlic parental 
roof. 

W'lifn 111- lK.-};aM 1.111111111; li>i iiiiii--i.ll, Mr. Tay- 
hir rcntiil laml, l)nt allir five years, witli tlie cap- 



and eighty-nine acres on sections 23 and 26. It 
is all in one body, and is a rich and fertile tract. 
Tilt- owner devotes the greater part of his time 
and attention to its cnltivation. yet finds time to 
faillif«il>' perfornt his duties of citi/.ensliip. and to 



ital which he had in the mean time aajuiretl. he snpjwrt all worthy enterpri.ses which he believes 

pnrcliase<l eijjhty acres on section 2,^, I„a Grange will prove of public benefit. In politics, he is a 

Township. To its cnltivalion he at once gave Republican. He has won success through well- 

his attention, and for .si.x years continued its fur- directetl efforts, and has steadily worked his way 

tlu-r iniproveiuent. Hetlieu reinovetl to the farm upward from a humble jiosition to one of affluence, 
on wliiili he now resides, comprising two hundreil 



.\i (,Lsi i.\i-: w. i)KKi:\sox. 



GllC'l'-'^TINl': \V. DICK i;NSt)X, one of the 
LI honore<l cili/ens of Walworth County, who 
I I since 1S55 has followed farming on section 
3, I..a (irange Township, has been prominently 
identified with the agricultural and official inter- 
ests of this community. His life has l>eeu well 
sjK-nt, and all who know him esteem him highly 
for ins sterling worth. He was Iwrn in Otsego 
County, X. Y., in the town of Worcester, June 
2t. 1.S14. His father. C. Dicken.son, was a na- 
tive of .Ma.s.sachusetts, and was of P^igli.sh descent. 
Having arrived flt years of maturity, he we<lded 
Mary Robl)iiis. and to them were born five chil- 
dren: Augustine, who is the only one now living; 
ami Luke. Madison, Caroline and Mary K. 

I'ljon his father's farm our subject was iKirn 
and reared, spending the days of his childhocxl 
and youth in the usual manner of fanner lads. 
He attended the district schools until eighteen 
years of age, when he liegan to earn his own 
livelilnMid liy teaching school, at $H ]>er month. 
He was thus employed during the winter season, 
while during the summer he worked as a fanu 
hand by the month. Hearing of the advantages 
and privileges which the West afforileil, he re- 
solved to test the truth of these reports by remov- 



ing hither, and in 1841 he left his old home in the 
lunpirc State. By canal and the Lakes he made 
his way to Chicago, and thence by team journeyed 
to Walworth County. He then made his way on 
foot to Madison, Dane County, to enter land from 
the Governineut, and secured a tract of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres, for which he paid Si. 25 per 
acre. Milwaukee was his nearest trading-ix)st, 
and to that place lie hauled his grain with ox- 
teams, a distance of eighty miles. Indians still 
visited the neighlxirhood, and all the experiences 
and hardships of the pioneer were to be met. 

Mr. Dickenson was marrietl on the 2i.st of 
April, 1836, the lady of his choice lieing Miss 
Chloe M. Potter, who was born in Ot.sego Coun- 
ty, X. v., on the 19th of April, 1818. Their 
marriage was celel)rated in the Kmpire State, and 
to them were l>orn six children, but five of the 
numlH.'r died in infancy. Henry H., the only 
sur\iving child, was born July 28. 1843. and now 
operates the old homestead farm for his father. 

Mr. Dickenson improved two farms in Dane 
County, and one in Walworth Count_\-. In 1851, 
he removed to Madison, where he spent alx)ut 
four years, after which he returned to Walworth 
County, in 1855, ami located in La Grange Town- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



279 



ship, upon the farm where he now resides, it hav- 
ing been his home continuously since. He here 
owns one hundred and sixteen acres of ricli land, 
which is under fine cultivation. All the im- 
pro\-ements were placed there through his own ef- 
forts, and tell of the thrift and enterpri.se of the 
owner. He may truly be called a self-made man, 
for he started out in life a poor boy. Dependent 
entirely upon his own resources, he has steadily 
worked his way upward, overcoming the difficul- 
ties and obstacles in his path by persistent effort 
and untiring energy. 

Mr. Dicken.son proudly cast his first vote for 
William Henry Harri.son, and was a supporter of 
the Whig party until its dissolution, when he 
joined the ranks of the new Republican party, 
with which he has since continued to affiliate. He 



has been honored with various local offices. 
While in New York he ser\ed as School Inspec- 
tor, and in Dane County, Wis., he was County 
School Conunissioner under Territorial Govern- 
ment. In Walworth County he has been Justice 
of the Peace, Superintendent of Schools of La 
Grange Township, and has also served as Su- 
pervisor. The cause of education finds in him 
a warm friend, and he does all in his power to 
advance its interests. He and his estimable wife 
have long been faithful members of the Congre- 
gational Church, and for more than forty years he 
has served as one of its Deacons. His example is 
one well worthy of emulation, for his life has ever 
been honorable and upright, and to all trusts, 
whether public or private, he is true and faithful. 



CONSTANCE WIGGENHORN. 



EONSTANCE WIGGENHORN, a member 
of the firm of Wiggenhorn Bros., cigar man- 
ufacturers of Watertown, is a nativeof We.st- 
]>halia, Germany, born June 6, 1828, and is a 
son of William and Josephina ( Beckhaus) Wig- 
genhorn, who were also natives of Westphalia. 
The latter was born in Stadtlohn, of which town 
her father, Engelbert Beckhaus, a well-educated 
man, served as Mayor. In 1S48 the parents of 
our subject bade adieu to their old home, and, 
with their family of eight children, boarded a sail- 
ing-ves.sel at Bremen, on which they crossed the 
Atlantic to New York City. They came to Wis- 
consin partly by lake and partly by rail, and took 
up their residence in Watertown. In Germany 
the father engaged in merchandi.sing, and also 
ser\'ed as Postmaster of Schoeppingen. After com- 
ing to Watertown, he purchased the Buena Vi.sta 
House, which is still .standing, and for several 
years engaged in hotel-keeping, but at length re- 



tired from active business life. His death oc- 
curred in 1876. His wife is still living, in her 
ninety-sixth year, and her mental faculties are 
very well preserved. To Mr. and Mrs. Wiggen- 
horn were born nine children, of whom one died 
in Germany and one in America. The others are: 
Mrs. William Meyer, of Ripon, Wis. ; Mrs. R. 
Desel, of Woodstock, 111. ; Constance, of this 
.sketch; Alex E., who is engaged in the bank- 
ing business in Ashland, Neb., and is quite 
wealthy; Mrs. A. Frohne, of Berlin, Wis.; Eu- 
gene, who resides in La Cros.se; and August, 
who makes his home in Watertown. 

In taking up the personal history of our .subject, 
we present to our readers the life record of one 
who is both widely and favorably known in this 
conununity. He was educated in Germany, and 
there learned the jeweler's trade. At the age of 
nineteen he sailed for the New World, accompa- 
nied by his si.ster, now Mrs. Meyer, and landed 



28o 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



in New York City after fifty-two days spent upon 
the briny ilccp. There Mr. Wigneiiliorn followetl 
his trade for a few iiionllis, after wliich he deter- 
niinetl to seek a hcmie and fortune in the West. 
He landed in Waterlown. Wis., in Octol)er, i.S4«, 
bein^; accompanied by his i)arents, wlio, in the 
mean time, had also crossed the Atlantic. He re- 
mained with his father, who was proprietor of the 
Huena X'isla Hotel, for alx)Ut five years, and then 
enibarke<l in merchandising at Huslisford, Wis., 
where he carried on business for seven years. 
On the expiration of that ]H;ri(xl Mr. Wiggen- 
horn returnetl to Watertown, and l)egaji manufac- 
turing cigars, in connection with his brother Eu- 
gene. He has since carrieil on business along 
that line, and enjoys a good trade. For some 
years he has l)een .sole proprietor, although the 
firm name of Wiggenliorn Bros, is still retained. 
He has a large establishment, and his business 



ha.s now assumed extensive proportions. He has 
as.sc>ciate«l with him his two sons, Julius and 
Guido, and employs two traveling salesmen. 

Mr. Wiggenliorn was married on the iith of 
January. 1.S52, the lady of his choice l)eing Miss 
Ivrastena Waller, a native of Germany. To them 
were born four children, three of whom are yet 
living, namely: Julius, Guido and Arthur. While 
living in Hustisford, Mr. Wiggenliorn .served 
as SuperA'isor, and was al.so Town Treasurer, but 
he has never sought or desired political prefer- 
ment, and on various occasions has refused ])iiblic 
office. He exerci.ses his right of franchise in 
support of the Democracy. Mr. Wiggenhoni 
came to Watertown when it was a small village, 
and has been interested in its growth and devel- 
opment into a wealthy city. He comes of one of 
the sturdy German lamilies, and by economy and 
industry has accuimilated a comiietence. 



IlIOMAS MOSIII^R. 



'noM.VS MOSHICR is now living a retired 
life ill Delavan. In former years he la- 
bore<l earnestly, and as the result of his 
close application and well-directiMl efforts, he ac- 
ipiired a competence that now enables him to lay 
a-side bu.siiiess cares and enjoy a well-earned rest. 
The reaird of his life is as follows: He was born 
in the town of Schoharie, Schoharie County, 
N. Y., July 4, 1835, and is a son of William and 
Sallie A. Moslier, who were also natives of the 
I'jiipire State and were of Ivnglish descent. Tlieir 
family nunil)ered six children, five sons and a 
daughter: John, who is now living in Darieii, 
Wis.; Thomas, t>f this sketch; Henry, who makes 
his home in Kans;is; Jacob, who is living in Del- 
a\an: Aiigcline, deceased; and George, of Beloit, 
Wis. 

The subject ot this sketch acquired his educa- 



tion in the Empire State, and was reared under 
the parental roof. He came with his parents to 
Wi.scoiisin in 1854, the family settling in the town 
of Darien, Walwt)rth County. When a young 
man, he learned the carpenter's trade, which he 
has followed almost continuously since 1857. He 
also learned the trade of brick-making, and for a 
time engaged in the manufacture of brick near 
Delavan. In connection with his other interests, 
lie embarked in the furniture and undertaking 
l)usiiiess, and carried on operations along that 
line for several years. His business eiTorts, how- 
ever, were iiiterru])ted by his ser\-ice in the late 
war. 

Keeling that his country needed his aid, Mr. 
Mosher, on the 12th of Augu.st, 1862, responded 
to the country's call for troops and enrolled his 
name among the boys in blue of Company D, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



T\vent3'-second Wisconsin Infantry. At Brent- 
wood, Tenn., he was captured, March 25, 1863, 
and was held a prisoner until June, 1S63. Imme- 
diately after being captured he was taken to Rich- 
mond, where he remained in Lihby Prison for 
three days, when he was paroled. Not long after, 
he was exchanged, and sent to the front at Nash- 
ville, Tenn. He then participated in the battles 
of the Atlanta campaign, and went with Sherman 
on his celebrated march to the sea. He continued 
with his command until after the close of the war, 
when lie was honorably di.scharged in Milwaukee, 
Wis., in June, 1865. 

The following year, Mr. Mosher was united in 
marriage with Mi.ss Ann M. Matteson, a daugh- 
ter of Philip and Abbie Matteson, early settlers of 
Delavan. They were natives of Rhode Island, 
and w^ere of English extraction. Their daughter 



was born in Abingdon, Luzerne County, Pa., 
on the 2d of March, 1S43. Mr. and Mrs. Mosher 
have become the parents of three children, a .son 
and two daughters: i\Iary E., now the wife of 
Joseph Leaning, a resident of Darien; Minnie B., 
wife of Frank Caswell, manager of a telephone 
line in Madison, Wis. ; and William Mott, who 
is now a telegraph operator in Freeport, 111. 

Mr. Mo.sherhas held various positions of public 
trust, and in politics is a Republican. Social!)-, 
he is connected with George H. Thomas Post No. 
6, G. A. R. His life has been well and worthily 
pa.ssed, and he is recognized as a loyal and val- 
ued citizen, in whom the best interests of the 
community find a friend. His many excellencies 
of character have gained him high regard, and it 
is with pleasure that we present to our readers 
this record of his life work. 



WILLIAM E. CLOUGH. 



(II.LIAM E. CLOUGH, who is now serving 
as County Treasurer of Walworth County, 
makes his home in Elkhorn. A native ot 
the Empire State, he was born in Fenner, Mad- 
ison County, N. Y., April 4, 1842, and is a son 
of William W. and Sarah R. (Pratt) Clough, both 
natives of New York. The Clough family is of 
Scotch descent. The maternal grandfather of 
our subject, Daniel Pratt, who was a native 
of Maine, was a vers- intelligent man, and 
for many years engaged in the practice of med- 
icine. In religious belief, he was a Bapti.st, 
and was a man of firm convictions. His death 
occurred at the advanced age of eighth-seven 
3- ears. The father of our subject was for many 
years a hotel-keeper of New York, and died 
in that State in 1844. His wife, who was a con- 
sistent member of the Baptist Church, passed 
awaj- in 1855. In their family were eight chil- 



dren, three sons and five daughters, of whom 
four are yet li\-ing: Cornelia H., wife of William 
Nelson, who is living in Sacramento, Cal.; Fran- 
ces E. , wife of Charles D. Eaton, a resident of Syr- 
acu.se, N. Y.; Darwin P., who makes his home in 
Darien, Wis. ; and William E. 

The subject of this sketch .spent the days of his 
boyhood and youth in his native town, and in its 
public schools acquired his education. After his 
mother's death he lived with his .sisters on a 
farm, continuing in Madison County until he had 
attained his majority. With the hope of better- 
ing his financial condition and securing a good 
home in the West, in the spring of 1863 he bade 
adieu to old friends, and came to Walworth Coun- 
ty. Wis., where he purchased one hundred acres 
of land located in Darien Township. To this he 
added sixty acres, and in partnership he and his 
brother engaged in business for some years. Our 



2S2 



PORTRAIT AND UIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



siihjix-t L-<)ntinii(.'<l liis tanning; i)iH.rati«)iis until the- 
spriiiK of iHH2. wlifi), on atroiuit of ill licallh, lie 
abandoned that (Kxriipation, and removed to the 
village of Darieii, where lie iiiatle his home until 
March, iSy^, when he went to Ivlkliorn, to take 
possession of the office of County Treasurer, to 
which hewaselecte<l in i.ScjJ. He had previously 
servetl as Town Treasurer for a peril k1 of five 
years, and his lirother is now Chairman of the 
Hojird of Siii)ervis<irs, liaviii); filled that position 
for nine years. 

On the 15th of OctolKT, 1.S62, Mr. Clougli was 
united in marriage with Miss Kate M. Crocker, 
a daughter of Warren and Kate 1 Harrows 1 Cr<K'k- 
cr, who were natives of the limpire State. Our 



suT)jiTt and his wife are nienilx!rs of the Methodi.st 
I{piscopal Church of Darien, and take an active 
interest in its work and upbuilding. He .ser\-ed 
as Steward for two years, was President of the 
lC])wortli League, and was also Assistant Super- 
intendent of the Suuday-.school. Socially, he is 
a memljer of the Masonic fraternity, and by his 
l)allot .supports the men and measures of the 
Republican party. He has a good home in I{lk- 
liorn. and is reganled as one of its valued citizens. 
His life has Ix^en well spent, and in tlie office of 
County Treasurer he is now di.scharging his du- 
ties with a promptness and fidelity which win him 
the commendation of all concerned. 



i:i)\\ARi) J. liRAXirr 



rr i'WAKl) J liRANDT, the efficient and pop- 
1^ ular Cashier of the Hank of Watertowii, was 
L_ l>orn in the city which is still his home, July 
iS, iSsy, and is a son of Frederick and Williel- 
niine ( Brueck) Brandt, both of whom were natives 
of (lerniany. In an earl> day tlie> came to the 
I'liited States. The father first located in Indian- 
a|iolis, Ind., where he was engage<l in the saw- 
mill and lumlier business. He owned the land on 
which the present State Capitol now .sland.s. He 
had left home when a young lioy, for his jiarents 
were ipiite p<M>r and he was forced to earn his own 
livelihcMxI. He had cros.sed the Atlantic to New 
Orleans, and his first cKCupaliim after coming to 
this country was iiursiug the yellow-fever patients 
at New Orleans. Alter his removal to Indianap- 
olis, he there worked for several years, and was 
oflrere<l a partnership in the business, but refused 
the same. He l)ecame a resident of Watertown, 
Wis., during the pioneer days of Jefferson Ctmnty, 
and heljied to clear away the forest wliere a portion 
of the city now stands. He owned the first drav in 



the place, an old-fashioned two-wheel cart, drawn 
by a single hor.se. He ran this cart himself for a 
few years, but subseijueutlx- began nierchatidising, 
and became the owner of <|uite a large general .store 
which lie conducted for some time. At length he 
was succeeded by his son. William I"'., who still 
carries on the l)usiiiess as the .senior nienib-rr of the 
firm of Brandt ^: Abela. The father then retired 
from business, and is now s]>endiiig his declining 
years in ea.se and comfort, undisturbed by the cares 
of commercial life. He was long recognized as a 
])romiiient business m.in, and represented his ward 
in the Cit> Council. 

In the Brandt family were but two children, 
William F. and Ivdward J. The latter was edu- 
cated ill the .schools of Watertown, and in the 
Northwestern Uuivensity, and during the greater 
part of his life has engaged in the banking business. 
At the age of eighteen he entered tlie Bank of 
Watertown in the capacity of lxx)k-keej>er, a very 
responsible position for one so young. He him- 
self doubted his abilitv, but he determined to do 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



283 



his best, and that best proved very satisfactory, 
winning him the commendation of all concerned. 
Later, he was made assistant cashier, which posi- 
tion he held for about six months only, after which 
he was made Cashier. Since 18S4 he has served 
in this capacity, and his faithfulness and merit are 
well known. 

Mr. Brandt is a young man with marked ability 
for business, and has now almost the entire man- 
agement of the bank. Its books show that he has 
been very successful, the business steadily gaining 
in value. In connection with his banking interests 
Mr. Brandt organized the Edward J. Brandt Dent 
Conipau)-, with a paid-up capital of $25,000. He 
is its principal stockholder and its president and 
manager. This business has been carried on con- 



tinuously up to the present time, and now employs 
from eighteen to twenty men to supply the con- 
stantly increasing demand. 

On the 1 2tli of September, 1872, Mr. Brandt was 
united in marriage with Miss Thekla Wiggenhorn, 
and their union has been blessed with one daugh- 
_ ter, Eugenia. Mr. Brandt takes no active part in 
politics, but votes with the Democratic party. He 
is now giving a great deal of attention to music, 
and has .spent three years as a student in the 
Conservatory of Masic in Milwaukee. At this 
writing, he is .serving as leader of the choir of St. 
Bernard's Church, which has gained a wide repu- 
tation. He is a rising young business man, and 
has a bright future before him. 



F. C WERNER, M. D. 



|~ C. WERNER, M. D., of Watertown, is 
1^ recognized as one of the leading physicians 
I of Jefferson Count_\-, and has won not only a 
liberal patronage, but has also gained a high 
reputation among his professional brethren. He 
was born in the city which is still his home on 
the 12th of April, 1857, and is a .son of Fred and 
Frederica (Otto) Werner, both of whom were 
natives of Germany. His parents left the Father- 
land in 1851, and in a sailing-vessel cros.sed the 
Atlantic to the United States. They at once 
came to Wisconsin and took up their residence in 
Watertown. Mr. Werner was a barber by trade, 
and carried on business here until his death, 
which occurred in 1876. His wife passed away 
several years previous, being called to the home 
beyond in 1865. They were the parents of three 
children, who are yet living: Caroline; Mrs. John 
L. Cummings, of Chicago; and the Doctor. 

The last-named of the family is the one in 
whom the readers of this volume are specially 



interested. Fie was educated in the public and 
high schools of Watertown, thus acquiring a 
good education, and in 1871 he began earning his 
own livelihood, being employed in a drug-store 
in St. Louis. He then began making a study of 
the business, and in 1876 was graduated from the 
Chicago College of Pharmacy . He also determin- 
ed to study medicine, and, entering Rush Medi- 
cal College of Chicago, he was graduated from 
that institution in 1879. Immediately after, he 
opened an office in his native town, and, having 
since devoted his time and energy to his practice, 
has built up a lucrative business. He has the 
most finely finished and equipped office of any in 
the city. In connection with general practice he 
makes a specialty of the diseases of the stomach 
and digestive organs, and his practice extends 
over several counties. 

In 18S0 Dr. Werner was united in marriage 
with Miss Eleanore Bur.singer, of Watertown, 
and their union has been blessed with four 



284 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ihiUlnii: Mela. Ilinlwig, l'rt<kriok ami GrcKlKii. 
The i)arciils arc lx)lh im:iiilH.rs of St. Henrys 
Catholic Church, ami Dr. Werner is a memljer 
of the Royal Arcanum and of the Moilern \Vo<h1- 
nieii of America. In his jwlitical views he is a 
Democrat. He is now ser\ing as examining 



])li\sician of the llariigari, the Northwestern, the 
Masonic Aid, and a number of other insurance 
companies. He is a clcse student of his profes- 
sion, and his wide knowledge, well applietl, has 
gained for him an enviable reputation. 



|.\.Mi:S 11. CAMIMH':!.!.. M. I). 



(l.\Mi;S 11. C.\Ml'Hi;i,l., M. I)., a practicing 
I i>hy.sician now lonited in Allen's Grove, Wis., 
(2) has attained an enviable reputation among 
his professional brethren, and has secured a liberal 
patronage. He is descended from a prominent 
family of Scotland. .Xrchibald CamplH.n was born 
in Scotland in the eighteenth centurv , and on at- 
taining majority braved the dangers of an ocean 
voyage to make a home in America. 1 le located at 
WInte Creek, \t., and there spent his remaining 
days. He wa.s a drover, and during his entire res- 
idence in America was actively engaged in the 
purcha.se and sile of livestock, which he marketed 
in New York City. In his efforts lie was ([uite 
successfid. ama.ssing a large fortune, but later in 
life lost much of this through injudicious sjiecula- 
tion. He was marrietl to Jane Hurnett, who was 
a native of the Green Mount:iin State, and wris of 
Scotch descent. Her parents lived near Henning- 
ton, and though only a child of five years when 
that famous battle of the Revolution occurred, 
she well remembered antl often described it. She 
was the first while child born in that part of the 
.state. Her fiitlier and brothers took part in the 
battle of Heiniington, and assisted in checking the 
invasion of the Hriti.sh army. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Canjpbell were l>orn two sons, John and Archibald. 
The father died about 1825, but the mother 
reached the advanced age of eighty-eight years. 

John Campl)ell, the eldest sou, iK'came the father 
of our subject. When <piite a young man he 



remoNed with liis brotlier to New York, l<K'ating 
in Windsor 'I'nwnship, Broome County, where he 
purchased a large farm, to which he made his way 
through the forest, marking his path by l)la/ing 
the trees for a distance of fifteen miles. There he 
hewed out a fiirm and made for himself anil fami- 
ly a goo<l home, which he occupied until his death, 
which occurred in 1886, at the advanced age of 
ninety-two. He was married in New York to 
Lydia Hlatchley, who was born near White Creek, 
\' I., and was also of Scotch lineage. They lie- 
came the parents of two .sons and three daughters. 
John 1''. about forty years ago removed to Dela- 
ware, locating south of Wilmington, Sussex Coun- 
ty, where he was extensively engaged in fruit- 
growing until his death, in Oclol)er, 1S93, at the 
age of seventy years. He left a family of two sons, 
still living in Del.iware. Ruth married Harvey 
Smith, and (lie<l in New York in 1886. I'M/.a is the 
wife of John Wilkins, of New York, who served as 
a soldier in the Civil War, and lost a limb at the 
battle of the Wilderness. Minerva is the wife of 
Asa Waters, who resides in Windsor, N. Y. 
The mother of this family died at the age of forty- 
two, when the Doctor was a youth of fifteen. The 
father took (|uite an interest in politics, and in early 
life voted with the Whig party. He was a 
strong anti-slaver\- man, and when the Republi- 
can ])arty was formed to prevent the further ex- 
tension of slavery, he joined its ranks and contin- 
ued one of its .stalwart supporters. In the com- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



285 



munity where he lived he was a leading and in- 
fluential citizen and was honored with several lo- 
cal offices. His educational privileges were limi- 
ted, but b}' reading he became a well-informed 
man. He held membership with the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and was a man of .strong indi- 
vidualit}- and force of character. 

In taking up the personal historj- of Doctor 
Campbell, we present to our readers the life record 
of one who is widely and favorably known in this 
locality. He was born in New York, July 26, 
1832, and remained on his father's farm until fif- 
teen jears of age, when he began .serving an ap- 
prenticeship to the carpenter's trade in Binghamp- 
ton, N. Y. There he continued until 1856, when 
he began business for him.self as a contractor and 
builder. He emigrated to Iowa, stopping for a 
time in Davenport and Rock Island, and was 
emploj-ed on the construction of the first bridge 
ever built across the Mississippi. It was a wag- 
on and railroad bridge, and was built mostl}- of 
wood. 0\'er one thousand men were emplo\'ed 
in its construction, and, with the exception of the 
iron work, the labor was all done on the ground. 

Dr. Campbell continued to serve as overseer for 



about a year, and then pushed his way further 
into Iowa, but he found the countr>' .still very 
wild, and in 1857 he came to Wi.scon.sin, locating 
in Janesville. He remained in that vicinity for 
nineteen years, working at his trade. In 1875 he 
became a student in the Bennett Medical College 
of Chicago, from which he graduated in 1877. 
He received from the school a scholarship, which 
will admit him at any time to the lectures of 
the college, and he frequently avails hini,self of 
the opportunity thus afforded. He began prac- 
tice in Fairfield in 1877, and there continued un- 
til 1881, when he came to Allen's Grove, where 
he has since practiced with good success, enjoy- 
ing a liberal patronage, which extends far over 
the surrounding countrj'. 

Dr. Campbell votes with the Republican party, 
but on account of his business cares has taken no 
active part in politics. He was married in Allen's 
Grove to Miss Alice Wilkins, a native of Minne- 
sota, and a daughter of Orrin Wilkins, who was a 
soldier of the Civil War, in 1865. Dr. Campbell 
stands high in his profession, and commands the 
respect and confidence of the entire community, 
both as a man and a physician. 



J. W. MOORE. 



(T W. MOORE, the popular editor of the 
I Gazette, a leading newspaper of Jeffer.son 
C2/ County, published in Watertown, was born 
in New York City on the 9th of July, 1S56, and 
is a son of Martin and Delia (Clune) Moore. 
The parents were both natives of Ireland, the 
father born in County Kilkenny, the mother in 
County Clare. At an early day the},- cro.s.sed the 
briny deep to the New World and took up their 
residence in New York City, where for some tune 
the father engaged in railroading. In 1862, ac- 
companied hy his family, he came to Watertown, 



and was again employed in railroading for a 
number of years, but is now living a retired life. 
In the family- were seven children, six of whom 
are yet living, namely: James W., Martin J., 
Mrs. J. Quigg, Thomas F., Elizabeth J. and 
Mrs. J. J. Cochran. 

Our subject spent the first ten years of his life 
in New York City, and then came with his 
parents to Watertown. His education was ac- 
quired in the public schools, which he attended 
until he had reached the age of fifteen, when he 
began working for the firm of F. P. Brook & 



14 



286 



PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Co., grocers, with wlioiii he rcinaiiicd fi>r a little 
more than a year. On the expiratinii of that 
l)eriocl he left home and went to Milwaukee, 
where he seciire<l a position as l)elll)<)y in the 
Newhall House, there remaining for three montiis. 
He then went to work as a "caller" in a freight 
office in Milwaukee, on the Chicago iS: Xorth- 
wi-steni Railroad, and for six months was thus 
employed, after which he secured a position with 
VA Sanders iV Co., c(K)pers. His connection with 
the printers trade liegan in 1.S74, when he en- 
teral the office of the Jefferson luuimr as an 
apprentice. He there remained for a year and 
eight months, after which he returned to Water- 
town, and worketl for three years and eight 
months in the office of the Watertown Dtmoiiat. 
He was next emi)loyed as foreman in the Rfpiih- 
licaii office for eight months. 

On the 15th of November, 18.S0, Mr. Moore 
purchased the (iiiziitf, and has since l)een its pub- 
lisher. At that time it was a small sheet, but he 



so*)!! enlargetl it. and made it a six-column 
quarto. He is a jiractical printer, who thoroughly 
understands the !iewspaper bu.siness, and his 
writings are spicy and interesting, finding gen- 
eral favor with tlie public. His office isetpiipiK-d 
with .steam -presses and all modern conveniences, 
and in connection with the publication of his 
l)aiK-r he docs all ki!ids of job-pri!iting. 

Mr. Moore was married on the loth of Octo- 
ber, 1S83, the lady of his choice being Mi.ss 
Cecelia Hackett. To then! have been born five 
children; Mary F., Edward J., James M., John 
M. and Thomas F. The parents are Ixith mem- 
bers of St. Bernard's Catholic Church. Mr. 
Moore .serve<l as School Commissioner for eight 
years, and was Junior Alderman of the Third 
Ward for o!!e tenn. Ii! his busii!e.ss e!iterprises he 
has met with success, and is now at the head of a 
wide-awake paper, whose circulation is constantly 
increasing. 



Si:XlTS L. CASH. 



(TJl-.XTrS 1,. CASIv is a worthy representative 
/\ ' <\ one of the pioneer families of Walworth 
\yj Con!!t\'. a!!d is i!ow living o!! the old home- 
stead oi! section 20. La Gra!!ge Towi!ship. A 
native of the I'jnjiire State, he was boni in Erie 
County, o!! the 2,^d of NovcmlK-r, 1.S31, and the 
days of his early chiklhotKl were there pa.s,sed 
ujx)n a fann. His education was acquired in the 
district schools of New York and of Walworth 
County, which he atte!!ded until twenty years of 
age. He came to the West with his pare!!ts in 
i84<), the family l(K'atii!g in this county. The fa- 
ther j)urcha.sed the farm on which Sextus I.,, now 
resides, beco!i!ing owner of a tract of two hundred 
acres, of which about eighty acres had been 
liroken, while a log Cidjin constituted the ii!!- 



provements upon tlie jilace. The father also 
built a blacksmith shop, and carried on business 
aloi!g that line in connection with farmi!ig. 

Mr. Case of this sketch lear!ied the trade with 
his father, and when about twenty -five years of 
age he a.ssu!i!ed the managemei!t of the home 
fann, which he cultivated for his father until 
the latter's death. He then purchased the 
old home, and is !iow recognized as one of the 
successfi!l a!!d e!iterpri.si!ig agriculturists of the 
coinn!U!!ity. l!i connection with the develop- 
n!e!!t ai!d ii!ii>rovement of his land he is engaged 
in stock-raisi!!g. a!!d also carries on blacksi!!ith- 
ing to soi!ie extent. « 

Oi! the 16th of P'ebruary, i860, Mr. Case was 
n!iited in marriage with Miss Emeline Leader, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



287 



and to them have been born four children: WilHe 
W. : Cora, wife of Frank Devoy, a farmer residing 
on the Case homestead: Tillie, who is engaged in 
teaching in the city schools of Whitewater; and 
Delia, who died when about eight years of age. 
Mr. Ca.se has never been an office-,seeker, but 



keeps well informed on the issues of the day. 
He holds membership with the American Pro- 
tective Association, and is a faithful and loyal 
citizen, actively interested in everything pertain- 
ing to the welfare of the community and its up- 
building. 



WILLIAM GREENING. 



IILI.IAM GREENING, who is successfully 
engaged in farming on .sections 13 and 14, 
La Grange Township, claims England as 
the land of his nativity, his birth having occurred 
in Devonshire, on the 14th of December, 1827. 
His parents, Philip and Frances Greening, were 
also natives of that localit}-, and through life the 
father followed farming. In 1862 he crossed the 
broad Atlantic to America, landing in New York 
City, from whence he came to Walworth County, 
where his death occurred in June, 1871. His re- 
mains were interred in Round Prairie Cemeter\^ 
His wife pa.ssed awa}- in England in November, 
1839. In their family were four children : Philip, 
•a farmer of Fond du Lac County, Wis.; William, 
of this sketch; Mary, who became the wife of 
Michael Prisk, and died in 1891; and Harriet, 
who died in 1847. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
spent his early life upon his father's farm, and at- 
tended the parochial .schools, and a select school 
for three months, to which he walked a distance 
of four miles, but his educational privileges were 
.somewhat limited, and his knowledge has been 
chiefly acquired through reading, experience and 
observation. He began life for himself at the age 
of eleven, and for four j'ears worked for his board 
and clothes upon a farm. He afterwards was 
employed as a domestic in Tavi.stock, England, 
for two years, receiving $15 per year. Then for 
four years he worked as a farm hand. With the 



hope of bettering his financial condition, he deter- 
mined to come to America, and in 1849 boarded a 
we.stward-bound sailing-vcs.sel, which, after a 
voyage of seven weeks and five days, dropped 
anchor in the harbor of Quebec. He remained 
in Canada for two years, working at $10 per 
month, and in 1851 came to Wi.sconsin. He 
twice made the circuit of Lake Winnebago in 
search of work, but found none, and this led 
to his coming to Walworth County. For two 
weeks he was employed in a lime-kiln, receiving 
$6 for his services. He then again resumed farm 
work, and was employed by the month for two 
years, when he rented land and began farming in 
his own interest. When he had acquired a suffi- 
cient capital, he purcha.sed propert}-, becoming 
owner of one hundred and twent}' acres of fine 
farming land on .sections 13 and 14, La Grange 
Township. This was largely in its primitive con- 
dition; only a few acres had been broken, and a 
log cabin constituted the only improvement upon 
the place; but with characteristic energy, Mr. 
Greening began its cultivation, and there made 
his home until 1859, when he removed to his 
present farm. He now owns three hundred and 
.sixty acres of valuable land, all under a high 
state of cultivation, and is successfully engaged in 
carrying on general farming and stock-raising. 

Mr. Greening has been twice married. On 
December 23, 1852, he was joined in marriage 
with Miss Harriet Padlev, and unto them was 



388 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



horn out- child, Francis W . now a fanner of 
Parker, Kan. On OctolK-r 4. 1.S5S. Mrs. Green- 
ing dcparlecl this life, and on the 16th of March, 
1859. Mr. GreeninK wa.s nnited in marriage with 
Miss Catlierinc CanR-rnn. Seven children have 
lM.en l)orn of tliis union, namely; Kate, who is a 
teacher in the public schools of Milwaukee; Hat- 
tie, wife of Iv H Marshall. i>roi)rietur of a stock 
fwKl store in Milwaukee; An>;us. who was ad- 
mitted to the Bar, and engaged in practice for a 
time, hut is now following farming on account of 
his health; Mar> , who is em|)loyed as a teacher 
in the public schools of Milwaukee; Nettie, who 
dietl January 2-. 1S.S4; Agnes, who is a gradu 
ate of the I-Uementary Course of the Normal 
ScluK)l of Whitewater, and now follows teaching; 
and ICddie, who died March 4, 1S79. 

In his i)olitical views, Mr. Greening is a Re- 
publican, and his fellow-townsmen, appreciating 
his worth and ability, have frei|uently called upon 



him to ser\'e in positions of public trust He was 
Sui)er\isor for about twelve years, has been 
Justice of the Peace for the long jxrriwl of thirty 
years, being re-elected in the spring of 1894, 
and has Ix-en Assessor for two terms, and District 
Clerk for alxjut twelve consecutive years. In all 
public offices he has discharged his duties with 
promptness and fidelity, and his faithfulness is 
well indicated by his long terms. In 1877, he 
was electetl to the State Legislature on the Re- 
publican ticket, and proved a worthy member of 
the General Assembly. He is a public-spirited 
and progressive citizen, who does all in his power 
(or the upbuilding of the connnunity, and its best 
interests find in him a friend. For his success in 
life he deserves great credit, and may truly \ye 
called a self-made man, for his industry, persever- 
ance and good management have l>een the factors 
which have brought him prosperity. 



c). (]. i:\\iN(; 



c,. LW'ING, deceased, was born in Towns- 
end, Vt., on the 1st of Septeml)er, 1S15, and 
is a son of Luther and Hannah (Gray) Hw- 
ing, who were also natives of the Green Mountain 
State. In their family were five sons, namely: 
O. G., of this sketch; Onnan, who is living in 
West Acton, N. Y.; Calvin, who resides in Bos- 
ton, Ma.ss.; Samuel, a resident of Townsend, Vt.; 
and Luther, who makes his home in Bellows 
I'alls, \'l. The father of this family having 
dietl, the mother married a Mr. Ross, and to them 
were l)orn four children: Taylor, who is living in 
Worcester, N. V.; Horace, of X'ermont; and Han- 
n.di and Susan, who make their homes in the lim- 
pire State. 

Mr. l%wing whose name heads this record was 
born on a farm, and attended the subscription 



and district schools, thus acquiring a good Eng- 
lish education. His father died when he was 
eight years of age, and thus thrown upon his own 
resources he had to make his own way in the 
world. It seemed a hard lot for one so young, 
but his .self-reliance and force of character were 
thereby brought into action, and his indomitable 
spirit and enterprise made his career a successful 
one. He lived in Vermont until 1836, when he 
went to Bo.ston, Mass., and worked in a fish-mar- 
ket at that place until the autumn of 1837. That 
year witnessed his emigration westward. He 
spent the following winter in Flint, Mich., and in 
the spring came to the territory of Wi.sconsiu, lo- 
cating in Walworth County. He made the jour- 
ney by boat to Milwaukee, and thence came 
across the couHtrv on foot. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



289 



This county was then wild and unimproved, 

Indians still visited the neighborhood, and wild 
game and animals were quite numerous. The 
greater part of the land was still in possession of 
the Government, and the most far-sighted could 
not have imagined the progress and improvement 
which would place Walworth among, the leading 
counties of the State. Mr. Ewing settled in La 
Grange Township, and entered from the Govern- 
ment two hundred and forty acres of land on sec- 
tion 22, for which he paid the usual priceof$i.25 
per acre. This was partly timber and partly 
prairie land, and was still in its primitive condi- 
tion, not a furrow having been turned or an im- 
provement made thereon. Mr. Ewing erected a log 
cabin, 16x18 feet, and made it his home for a luim- 
ber of years. His nearest trading-posts were at 
Milwaukee and Racine, and there he had to haul 
all his farm produce. He aided in laying out the 
roads and organizing the school districts, and bore 
a prominent part in the work of developing the 
county and promoting its best interests. 

Mr. Ewing was married April 3, 1842, to Miss 
Hannah M. Watson, daughter of Lotus and Olive 
(Arnold) Watson, and a native of Onondaga 
County, N. Y., born October 31,1827. Six children 



were born of their marriage. Albert, who mar- 
ried Annie B. Stowner, is now living in Iowa. 
They have had four children: Freddie and Harry, 
who are .still at home: and Jes.se F. and Frank, 
who are deceased. Elmeda died in 1849. Alman- 
da is the wife of Charles Parker, a stone-mason 
residing • in Kenosha. Alice is engaged in the 
practice of medicine in Chicago. Addison married 
Delia Newman, and they had three children: 
Margerie; Harold, who died in infancy; and Ruth. 
Arthur, who carries on the old homestead farm, 
married Miss Mabel Sharp, and has two children, 
Irene and Floyd. 

Mr. Ewing made farming his life work, and 
through good business abilitj', enterprise and per- 
.severance became quite pro.sperous. At the time 
of his death he owned three hundred and forty 
acres of land in La Grange Township. In poli- 
tics, he was a supporter of the Republican party 
from the time when Abraham Lincoln ran for the 
Presidency, and in religious belief was a Method- 
i.st. His sterling worth and strict integrity won 
him universal confidence and respect, and he left 
to his family the priceless heritage of a good 
name. His death occurred September 29, 1891, 
and he was laid to rest in the Hill Cemetery. 



PRESCOTT E. LONGLEY. 



QRESCOTT E. LONGLEY, proprietor of the 
LX Park Hotel of Delavan, and a well-known 
1^ and highly respected citizen of the com- 
munity, was born on the loth of February, 1843, 
in Albany, N. Y., and is a son of Freeman and 
Melissa (Wood) Longley. In the family were 
only two children, our subject and his younger 
brother, Thomas H., who is now advertising 
agent for the St. Paul Railroad Cimipany. The 
father was a native of Massachusetts, and through- 
out his life engaged in merchandi.sing. His time 



was thus occupied in the East until 1854, when 
he removed to Wisconsin, locating in Baraboo, 
where he carried on mercantile pursuits until his 
death, which occurred at the age of sixty-three 
years. He was a very successful business man, 
his enterprise and well directed efforts bringing 
him prosperity. During the late war he served 
for two years as a member of the Sanitary Com- 
mission, and was stationed at Atlanta. His grand- 
father was a .soldier of the Revolution. Mrs. 
Longley, mother of our suliject, was born and 



2</. 



PORTRAIT AND lilUGRAFHICAL RECORD. 



rcariil in \cniu)iit, aciiiiire<l her (.(lucatioii in its 
inihlic stluM.ls. and then cnKantd in leaching in 
I.owdl, Mass. Her father was a Con^reKational 
minister, and preached for forty-two years in Hal- 
ifax. Mrs. I.ongley was well acquainted with 
Ketijaniin Butler. She still survives her husband, 
and now makes her home in Delavaii. afthe a>^e 
■ if seventy-four. 

In the State of his nativity, our .subject spent 
the first eleven years of his life, and then came 
with his parents to Wisconsin. He accjuired liis 
education in the public .sch<x)Is of Baralxxj, and 
then be.nan clerking' in liis father's .store, where 
he was employed until I)ecenil)er, 1862. Feeling 
that his country needed his services, he responded 
to the call for troops, and joinetl the boys in blue 
of Company F, Third Wisconsin Cavalry, in 
which he remained for three years. He entered 
the service as a private, but al)out a year later 
was promoted to the rank of .Serj(eant. He par- 
ticipated in the battle of Prairie (irove. went with 
Curtis on the raid throuj;h Mis.souri, and at the 
close of the war was honorably di.scharged. 



Mr. I.,ongley then returned to Baraboo, where 
he engaged in merchandising until 1880, when he 
embarked in the livery business, which he con- 
tinued for about two years. Since that time he 
has engagetl in hotel-keeping, with the exception 
of one year spent as advertising agent for the 
Chicago. Mihvaukee & St. Paul Railroad Com- 
pany. He has Ix-en proprietor of hotels in Mil- 
waukee, Clinton, Delavan and Warsaw. 

On the 7tli of Novenil>er, 1876, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Longley and Miss Frances 
Sharp. Our subject was later united in marriage 
with Miss Frances S. Bowen, of Minneapolis. 
In politics, he is a supporter of the Democracy. 
Socially, he is a member of Baraboo Lodge No. 
34, A. F. & A. M., and is a member of Joe 
Hooker Post, G. A. R., of Baraboo. He is now pro- 
prietor of the leading hotel of Delavan, the Park 
House, and is doing a good business. Through 
life he has endeavored to follow the Golden Rule, 
and is a warm-hearted, whole-souled gentleman, 
whose pleasant, genial maimer has gained for him 
a large circle of friends. 



RO\AL J. W ILiJAMS. 



RoNALJ. WILIJA.MS was born on the i.st 
■ il May, 1818, in Ashfield. Mass., and early 
in life became familiar with all the duties 
connected with the cultivation and <levelopment 
of a farm. As soon as old enough to handle the 
]ilough, he began work in the fields, and was thus 
employed until eighteen years of age, when he 
determined to try his fortune in the West, and, 
witli a younger brother, left the Bay State for the 
territory of Wisconsin. He came to Walworth 
County, and took up his residence in I jnn Town- 
ship, on the si.uth shore of Geneva Lake. This 
was in iS^f", long l)efore the State was admitted 
to the Union, and when its undeveloped condition 



gave little promi.se of the progress which in a few 
short years would place it among the leading 
States of the Union. 

In 1S37 the father of our .subject and the other 
meint)ers of the family joined him in the West, 
and he remained at home with his parents for 
some time. Later, he engaged in farm work for 
others, and was employed in a sawmill in Mil- 
waukee, Wis., for a number of years. Afterward he 
returned to the Ea.st, spending some time in Con- 
necticut and Mas.sacluisetts, and for about four 
years was engaged in niaiuifacturing in Massachu- 
.setts. In 1853 he returned to Walworth County. 
His father and mother had both died, and he was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



291 



appointed administrator of the estate, so he dispos- 
ed of his business interests in the East and came to 
the old home. For six montlis he resided at what 
was then Douglass' Corners, and in 1854 he re- 
moved to the farm upon which his widow now re- 
sides. This was a part of the land which he in- 
herited from his father's estate, comprising a tract 
of seven tj' -five acres, and thereon he made his 
home until the autumn of 1865, when he went to 
Virginia, and spent about a year and a-half upon 
a plantation in the Old Dominion. He then again 
went to Connecticut, where he remained for four 
years, after which we find him on his farm in 
Walworth County. 

On the 5th of April, 1848, Mr. Williams was 
united in marriage with Miss LucretiaS. Warren, 
a native of Conwaj-, Mass., born November 9, 
1824, and a daughter of Samuel and Abigail 
(Williams) Warren. Her father was also born 
in Conwaj', and made farming his life occupation. 
His death occurred in his native State, at the ad- 
vanced age of eighty-four years. His familj- was 
of Irish origin. The mother of Mrs. Williams 
was born in Ashfield, Mass. , and her death there 
occurred at the age of sixty-nine. She was of 



Welsh lineage. To Mr. and Mrs. Williams were 
born three sons and a daughter: George B., 
who aids his mother on the home farm; Ellen, 
who died at the age of fourteen years; Edward 
F. , who is engaged in merchandising, and also 
helps to look after the estate, and whose wife is 
Postmi.stress; and Harley, who is engaged in 
agricultural punsuits, as well as in dealing in coal, 
lime, etc. 

Mr. Williams was a warm advocate of the Re- 
publican party, and did all in his power to pro- 
mote its growth and insure its success. The best 
interests of the communitj' ever found in him a 
friend, and he was always ready to lend a helping 
hand to the needy and distressed. His death oc- 
curred on the old homestead in W'alworth County 
in 1886, at the age of sixty -eight years. He left 
to his famih- a fine fanu of two hundred acres, 
situated on Geneva Lake. It occupies one of the 
most beautiful locations, and has become quite 
a summer resort. The ground has been laid off 
in town lots, which are selling at good prices, and 
the place is well known by the name of Williams' 
Bav. 



LEWIS C. COOK. 



I EWIS C. COOK carries on general farming 
It and stock-raising on section 20, La Grange 
l22/ Township, where he owns and operates two 
hundred and forty acres of land, part being on 
section 30, and part on section 24, Whitewater 
Township. This is a rich and valuable tract, and 
its neat and thrifty appearance indicates the care- 
ful super\-ision of the owner. There are good im- 
provements upon the place, and the well-tilled 
fields are made to yield a golden tribute in return 
for the care and cultivation bestowed upon them 
Mr. Cook is a native of New York, his birth 



having occurred in Gene.see County, near Batavia, 
June 28, 1825. His parents were Edward and 
Persis (McMurph}' ) Cook, the former a native 
of New York, and the latter of New Hampshire. 
In New York State the father followed carpen- 
tering and farming. His family numbered the 
following children: William, who died in 1874; 
Susan, who died in infancy; Lewis, of this 
sketch; Charles, who is now living in Milwau- 
kee; Persis E., widow of Samuel Pember, a 
resident of Waukesha County, Wis.; Susan, who 
is also living in Waukesha County; and Mary, 



292 



I'ORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



wife of Cyrus Gibbs, a fanntr of I.a Orange 
Township. 

No event of special importance occurred durinR 
the chiUlliotxl and youth of our subject, wlio 
worketl in the fields and at iiiter\als attended the 
<listrict schools until twenty years of age. He 
then left the i)arental r<xif and l>ef;an life for him- 
self. The new and growing West, with the pri\ i- 
leges and op]xirtunitics it afTordetl, attracted liini, 
and in 1S45, by way of the Lakes, he went to Mil- 
waukee, from whence he came to Walworth 
County. Almost fifty years have elapsed since 
that time, making him one of the lK)ni)re<l pio- 
neers and valnetl citizens. He began work in the 
West as a fann hand, receiving $12 per month for 
his services, and being thus employed for two 
years. He then engaged in breaking prairie with 
ox-teams, and for sixteen years was engaged in 
threshing. I'lxin the expiration of that period 



into rich and fertile fields, placing the entire 
amount under cultivation, e.xcept six acres of 
timlx-r. As his financial resources increased, he 
extende<l its boundaries, until he now has two 
hundretl and forty acres. 

In 1862 Mr. Cook married Miss Lois Johnson, 
an<l their union has l)eeu blessed with a daughter, 
IClla, who is now the wife of Perry Lewis. She 
and her hu.sband still reside on the old farm. 
Mr. Cook is an enterprising and progressive citi- 
zen, his .support and co-operation being given to 
ever>- enterprise which he believes will prove of 
public benefit. He votes with the Democratic 
party,' Ijut has neither time nor inclination for 
public office. He began life a poor boy, but a 
resolute will, mitiring ]>erseverantc and indomi- 
table energy overcame the difficulties in his path, 
and he has worked his way upward from a hum- 
ble ])osition to one of independence. He has the 



he purchased a farm, l)ecoming the owner of respect of the entire community, and it is with 

eighty acres on section 20, where he still resides, pleasure that we present to our readers this rec- 

It was a tract of unimproved jirairic aiul timber- ord of his life work, 
land, but in course of time he had transformed it 



WILLIAM I. IIULDHX, 



|1 l.l.l.V.M J. llULUKN follows general farm- 
ing on .section ,^i. La Orange Township. 
He was Ixirn on .section ,^2 of the .same 
township, Septeml)er i, 1844, -i'"! comes of a 
faniilv of Ivnglish origin. His father, James 
Holden, was Ixirn in Middlesex, Washington 
County, \'t., August 5, 1S13, and is a sou of 
Josiah and Ik-tsy ( Leland 1 Holden, early settlers 
of Washington County. In their family were 
ten children, five sons and five daughters. James 
was educated in the connnon schools, and began 
life for himself at the age of twenty years. He 
went to Boston, where he carried on a meat-mar- 
ket until 1836, when, by way of the canal and 



lakes, he emigrated to Illinois. In the s])ring of 
1S37, he came to Walworth County, Wis., and 
entered land from the Government in Sugar Creek 
Township, but after a short time returned to Illi- 
nois, only to find his claim had been jumped. La- 
ter, he entered one hundred and sixty acres on 
section 32, La Orange Township, erected a log 
cabin, and on the farm which he there tleveloped 
made his home until his tleath. Milwaukee was 
his nearest tradiiig-po.st. 

James Holden was married Octolx-r 6, 1841, to 
Patience, daughter of Cyrus and Cora (Babcock) 
Barber. Seven children were born to them: 
Carrie B.. who died May 19. 1S62; William J. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



293 



of this sketch; Jennie; Helen, wife of M. Balsar, 
station agent and telegraph operator at Ackle}-, 
Iowa; Mary, wife of Alfred Fox, a traveling 
salesman living in Omaha, Neb; Eniil}-, wife of 
Chester Lyman, a fanner of South Dakota; and 
Jessie, wife of G. Rhodes, who is living on the 
old Holden homestead. The father of this family 
was a stalwart Republican in politics, and held 
the offices of Supervisor and Road Commissioner. 
He aided in laying out the roads and in organiz- 
ing the school districts, and took an active inter- 
est in everything pertaining to the growth and 
development of the county. The cause of tem- 
perance found in him a warm friend, and -he was 
a charitable and benevolent man. His death oc- 
curred February 22, 1880, and he was laid to 
rest in Heart Prairie Cemetery. 

William J. Holden, whos^e name heads this 
sketch, is one of the well-known and highly re- 
spected citizens of his native count)'. Amid the 
wild scenes of frontier life he was reared to man- 
hood, and the days of his boyhood and j'outli 
were spent in his parents' home. His early edu- 
cation, acquired in the district schools, was supple- 
mented by study in Milton College. In Maj', 
1864, when nineteen years of age, he responded to 
the country's call for troops and became a private 
of Compau)- C, Fortieth Wi.sconsin Infantrj-. 



Immediately after being mustered into service, he 
went to Memphis, where he was engaged on 
picket duty until honorably discharged, on the 
expiration of his term, in September, 1864. He 
then returned to his home and remained for one 
year, after which he began farming for himself, 
purchasing one hundred and fifteen acres of land 
on section 31, La Grange Township. To this he 
has added, until now one hundred and fifty-five 
acres of rich and arable land yield to him a golden 
tribute in return for the care and cultivation he 
bestows upon them. He carries on general farm- 
ing and stock-raising, and his enterprising efforts 
ija:ve brought him a well-deser\'ed success. 

On the 7th of November, 1872, Mr. Holden 
was united in marriage with Miss Marj' Owen, 
daughter of John and Margaret (Leighbodj') 
Owen, the former a native of Wales, and the latter 
of Scotland. Two sons have been born of this 
union, James and Frederick, who are still with 
their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Holden are mem- 
bers of the Methodi.st Episcopal Church, and are 
highly respected people of the community. He 
exercises his right of franchise in support of the 
Republican party, but has never sought political 
preferment, his desire being to give his entire 
time and attention to his business interests. 



MISS SARAH LYON, 



yyilSS SARAH LYON, who since early pio- 
Y neer days has resided in Walworth County, 
V9 and now makes her home on section 19, La 
Grange Township, claims Vermont as the State 
of her nativity-, her birth having occurred in 
Orange County, on the 29th of January, iSio. 
Her father, William Lyon, was a native of New 
Hampshire, and of English descent. Having at- 
tained to vears of maturitv, he was united in mar- 



riage with Miss Sally Sanborn, and by their 
union they became the parents of four children: 
Moses, who was born July 15, 1789; James, who 
was born in 1801, and died FJecemljer 17, 1878; 
Levinna, widow of Samuel Robinson, still living 
at the age of ninety years; and vSarah, who com- 
pletes the family. 

In his younger days, William Lyon followed 
farming and merchandizing in the Green Moun- 



■^v4 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



tain State, where he resided until 1S41. when, 
with the hope of iK-ttiTJnj; his financial coiidition, 
he emi^rattHl to the Tcrriton,- of Wisconsin and 
tof>k up his rcsidiiicc in Walworth County. The 
journey was made hy way of canal and the Lakes 
to Milwaukee, ami from Milwaukee to Walworth 
County liy teams, and on reaching his destina- 
tion, Mr. Lyon located on the farm where his 
<lau)ihter now resides. He entered forty acres 
from the Oovernment, paying the usual price of 
51.25 i)er acre, and at once began its development 
and cultivation. For alnjul twenty-one years he 
carried on general fanning, following that pur- 
suit until his death. He pa.s,sed away on the 12th 
of Xovemlx'r, 1.S62, and was laid to rest in Heart 
Prairie Ccnicterv. hv the side of his wife, who 



was called to the home beyond on the 12th of 
March, 1850. They were highly respecte<l peo- 
ple of this conununity. and had many warm 
friends in Walworth County. 

Miss Lyon also secured land from the Govern- 
ment, making a claim of eighty acres. With the 
family .she went through the experiences and 
hardships of frontier life, and has been an eye- 
witness of almo.st the entire growth and develop- 
ment of Walworth County. She has seen its 
wild lauds transformed into beautiful homes and 
farms, and has watched the upbuilding of towns 
and villages. She therefore deserves mention 
among the honoretl pioneers in the history- of her 
adopted county. 



l()Si:iMI WliriMORK, 



3()Sl\rH WHITMORl-;. who resides on .sec- 
linn i.s. Spring I'rairie Townshij). has long 
l>cen identificfl with the history of Walworth 
County and itsdeveloi)nient. growth and progress. 
He has seen its wild land transformed into beau- 
tiful homes and farms, has seen many of its towns 
and villages spring into existence, and can relate 
many interesting incidents of its pioneer days. 
He was lx)ni in Es.sex County, N. Y., Februarj- 
2.S, 1821, and is the fifth in order of birth in a 
family of twelve children, whose parents were 
Joseph and Hannah (Call) Whitmore. The fam- 
ily is of luiglish origin, and was founded in 
America during early Colonial days. The grand- 
father of our .subject, Daniel Whitmore, was one 
of the heroes of the Revolution, entering the serv- 
ice, and taking part in the battle of Hmiker Hill, 
when alxiut sixteen years of age. 

The father of our subject was Intrn and reared 
in Maine, and, although he lived uixdiafarin, he 
learned the blacksmith's trade. In the Pine Tree 



State he married Hannah Call, a native of Dres- 
den, Me. Her parents were born in luigland. 
Soon after his marriage, Mr. Whitmore removed to 
New York, where he engaged in fanning un- 
til 1.H37, when he came West and took up his 
residence in Walworth County. He made the 
journey overland, and shortly afterward made a 
claim in La Fayette Townshii). The land was 
still in its primitive condition, but with character- 
istic energy he began its development, and in 
the course of time the raw prairie was transformed 
into rich and fertile fields. In his business deal- 
ings. Mr. Wliitmorc was quite successful, and his 
earnest labors brought him a comfortable compe- 
tence. His death occurred at the age of seventy- 
nine, and his wife pa.ssed awa>- at the ageof fifly- 
three years. 

Joseph Whitmore. the subject of this sketch, 
spent the first ten years of iiis life in the Ivmpire 
State, and then went witii his parents to Indiana, 
and in 1837 came to Walworth Count\ . Willi 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



295 



the family he shared in the experiences and hard- 
ships of pioneer life, and aided in the ardnons 
task of developing a farm. He continued at 
home until he had attained his majority, when 
his father gave him a deed to eighty acres of land, 
a part of his present farm. It was then raw 
prairie, but soon waving fields of grain took the 
place of the barren tract, and told to the passer-by 
the ston,' of the thrift and enterprise of the owner. 
As his financial resources increased, he extended 
the boundaries of his farm, until it now comprises 
two hundred and sixty acres. 

On the 29th of December, 1852, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Whitmore and Miss Sarah 
Edgerton, who was born in Rome, Oneida Count\-, 
N. Y., July 22, 1835, and is a daughter of Sims 
and Harriet (Benedict) Edgerton. The Edger- 
ton family is of English extraction, and the grand- 
father of Mrs. Whitmore was one of the Revolu- 
tionary heroes. He and his wife were both na- 
tives of Vermont. Sims Edgerton was born in 
Vermont, and during his boyhood removed to 
New .York. He served in the War of 181 2. Hav- 
ing learned the carpenter's trade, he followed that 
pursuit until 1845, when he came to Wisconsin 
and purchased the farm in Spring Prairie Town- 
ship upon which he made his home until his 



death, which occurred at about the age of eight j^- 
one. His wife was born in Oneida County, 
N. Y., and died at the age of thirty, leaving two 
children: Stephen, now a resident of Elkhorn, 
and Mrs. Wliitraore. By the marriage of the 
latter, four children were born; Leroy, now a 
farmer of Ea Fayette Township: Seldon, who 
manages the old homestead which his grandfa- 
ther entered from the Government; Elmer, who 
carries on agricultural pursuits in Spring Prairie 
Township; and J. vS., who manages and operates 
the home farm. 

In 1872 Mr. Whitmore lost his eyesight, and 
has been totally blind ever since, jet under his 
affliction he maintains a cheerful disposition and 
keeps up his interest in public affairs. He votes 
with the Democratic partj', and is well informed 
on the issues of the day. His life has been well 
and worthily passed, and all who know him es- 
teem him highly for the many excellencies of his 
character. 

It is interesting to know that Mr. Whitmore 
has never in his life been sued, nor has ever sued 
anyone; has never given or obtained a mortgage; 
and has ne\'er deposited money in or borrowed 
monev from a l)ank. 



EDWARD MALCOMB. 



"DWARD MALCOMB has since 1864 re- 
^ .sided upon his present farm on section 28, 
^ La Grange Town.ship. He is numbered 
among the early settlers of Walworth County, 
and it is with pleasure that we present to our 
readers this record of his life. He was born in 
Cedar Creek County, N. J., July 3, 1825, and on 
his father's side is of Scotch descent. His parents, 
John and Margaret (Grant) Malcomb, were also 
natives of New Jersey, and in their family were 



the following children: Deborah, Edward, Job, 
Margaret, Elizabeth, John, Robert J. and Sarah J. 
Mr. Malcomb of this sketch spent the days of 
his boyhood and youth in the usual manner of 
farmer lads. He went to Wayne County, N. Y. , 
when a child of six years, and attended the dis- 
trict schools until thirteen years of age, when he 
started out in life for himself. He has .since been 
dependent upon his own efforts, so that for his 
success he desei-\-es great credit, as it is the re- 



2g(\ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ward of his own lat)ur.s. He was first employed 
as a fami hand, receiving the munificent sum of 
J4 per month. Tlie journey to the West was 
made by water and l>y team, and thence across the 
countr>- by team from Toledo, Ohio, to the terri- 
tor>- of Wisconsin. In Walworth County, where 
he arrive<l June 7, 1X4.^, Mr. Malcoinb received 
j^ic) ])er month for his sen'ices, and was here em- 
ployed as a farm hand for alxiut ci^jht years. He 
then purchased land in Winnebago County, but 
never live<l on this land. About 1855, he became 
the owner of eij^hty acres of partially improved 
land on section 20, La Grange Township, about 
seventeen acres having been broken. He contin- 
ued its further cultivation for two years, and 
then Ixiught another tract of forty acres. Alto- 
gether he has ownetl three different fanns in this 
township. 

Mr. Malcomb was married February 28, 1848, 
to Mi.ss Mary Ball, and their union was blessed 
with three children, but Klmer is the only one 
now living. Charlie died on the 13th of June, 



1881, and Janette died on the 15th of September, 
1882. 

In 1S64 Mr. Malcomb removed to his pre.sent 
fann, l)ecoining the owner of eighty acres on sec- 
tion 28. There were no fences or buildings upon 
the place, but with characteristic energy he liegan 
the work of imiirovenieiit, and now has one of the 
fine farms of this locality, it being under a high 
state of cultivation, and supplied with all modern 
accessories and conveniences. lie also owns 
twenty acres of timber-land in Whitewater Town- 
ship. His po.ssessions stand as a monument to 
his thrift and enterprise, for his property has been 
acquired through his own well-directed eflforts. 
Indn.stry and energy have been iin]iortaut factors 
in his success, and have brought him a comfort- 
able home. He votes with the Republican party, 
but has never sought or desired political prefer- 
ment. He takes no active jxirt in political affairs, 
yet is a loyal citizen, prompt and faithful in the 
discharge of all duties devolving ui>on him. 



llliM<\ ). SIIAVHR. 



NI.NKY J. SHAVKR. who is eng.ngcd in 
lilacksniithing in Spring Prairie, and is also 
a dealer in agricidtural implements, was born 
on the 7th of November, 1S32. in Ripley, N. V., 
and was the eldest of three children, two sons 
and a daughter, Franix-s. His brother, James 
H.. is still living in Ripley, on the old home- 
stead where he was lx)rn. During the Civil 
War he served as a mcml)er of the Fourth 
Wisi-onsin Infantry, and was discharged on Ship 
Island. The great grandjiarents of our sub- 
ject on the fathers side were natives of Ger- 
many, and were the founders of the family in 
.America. The grandfather was a soldier of 
the War of i«i2. The father. John Shaver, 



was lK)rn and reared in Oneida County, N. V., 
and there learned the cooper's trade, which he 
followed in pursuit of fortune until his marriage. 
In 1832 he removed to Ripley, N. V. where he 
carried on a meat-market in connection with the 
co<iperiug business until the time of his death, 
which occurred at the age of fort\ -eight years. 
He had married Ilulda Heni.stead, who was also 
a native of New York, and was of English ex- 
traction. She died at the home of our subject at 
the advanced age of eighty-three years. 

Under the parental roof Henr>- Shaver spent 
the days of his childhood, and with his father 
learned the black.smith's trade, which he followed 
with fair success until about twenty years of age. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 



297 



At length he determined to seek a home in the 
West, for he had heard much of the opportuni- 
ties and advantages afforded young men, and, 
wishing to rise, he determined to test the truth of 
these reports. Coming to Wisconsin, he Isegan 
business as a blacksmith in Elkhorn, and was 
thus employed until the 15th of October, 1861, 
when, feeling that his country needed his services, 
and that his duty to the Union was paramount to 
all else, he responded to the country' 's call for 
troops and enrolled his name as a member of the 
Twelfth Regiment Band. He was in the sen'ice 
until October, 1862, when he returned to Elk- 
horn and worked at his trade until his removal 
to Spring Prairie in 1865. 

In September, 1856, was celebrated the mar- 
riage of Mr. Shaver and Miss Julia A. Hay, with 
whom he traveled life's journey for about twenty 
years. Her death then occurred, in October, 
1876, and she left two children: William H., a 



bright, wide-awake and well-educated young man, 
who now owns a half-interest in his father's busi- 
ness; and one who died in infancy. Mr. Shaver 
was again married, in October, 1877, his .second 
union being with Miss Martha M. Hay, a .sister 
of his first wife. They have a daughter, Ma- 
bel, who is at home. 

Mr. vShaver warmly advocates the principles of 
the Republican party, and though he never seeks 
office himself, he is warmly interested in the suc- 
cess and welfare of liis party. Socially, he is con- 
nected with the Ma,sonic fraternity, belonging to 
the Blue Lodge of vSpring Prairie, and to the 
Chapter of Elkhorn. He al.so belongs to Ruther- 
ford B. Hayes Post No. 76, G. A. R. He now 
has a pleasant home and a good farm and black- 
smith .shop, and is doing a business that yields to 
him a good income and numbers him among the 
substantial citizens of the community. 



RUDOLPH HABERNICHT. 



RUDOLPH HABERNICHT is now serving as 
Postmaster of East Troy, and is proving a 
competent and tru.stworthy official. He has 
the honor of being a native of the Badger State, 
his birth having occurred on the 19th of June, 
1847, in Washington County, where his father 
had located in pioneer days. His parents, Nich- 
olas and Ju.stine (Sumnitz) Habernicht, were 
both natives of Germany, the former born at 
Neuweat, on the Rhine, and the latter at Cob- 
lentz, also on the Rhine. Tlie paternal grandfather 
.spent his entire life in Germany, where he died at 
an advanced age. He was a great lover of birds, 
and owned as many as three hundred at one time, 
keeping them as pets. He had a large family of 
children, and .seven of his .sons were musicians, 
and belonged to one band. The maternal grand- 



father died when a 3-oung man, and but little is 
known of him. 

The father of our .subject was a furrier by trade. 
On crossing the Atlantic to America, he located 
in Boston, Mass., where he .spent two )'ears, after 
which he came to Wiscon.sin, settling in Wash- 
ington County. There he carried on farming 
until 1868, when he removed to East Troy, where 
he spent his remaining days, his death occurring 
in 1889, at the age of sixty-one years. His wife 
still survives him, and now makes her home with 
her son Jo.seph, in Troy Town.ship. Mr. Haber- 
nicht was a member of the Catholic Church, and 
his wife belongs to the Lutheran Church. In 
their family were eleven children, seven of whom 
are yet li\-ing: Joseph, a resident of Troy Town- 
ship; Catherine, twin sister of Joseph, and wife of 



-v 



I'ORTIOMT AXD BIOGRAPHICAL RECURD. 



William M. Joins, ot ( )c<iiii>iiio\voc. Wis.: Ru- 
dolph, who is living; in l^ast Troy: Marjjarit; 
lunina, wife of William WikhI, of La Fayette 
Township; Rose, wife <jf Winslow Taylor, of 
Troy Center: and William, who makes his home 
in Milwaukei- 

Rtulolph Halieriialil was reared in Washinj^lun 
Counlv amiil the wild scenes of the frontier, and 
early l)ecame inured to the arduous labors' of the 
farm. He remaine<l under tlie parental r(K)f until 
he hail attained his majority. In 1.S6.S. he came 
with his parents to East Troy, where he has since 
made his home, and soon afler his arrival em- 
harked in farming, which he carried on with 
good succe.ss until i«86. He then abandoned 
agricultural ])ursuits, and embarked in the sale of 
farm m.-ichinery, which he continued until 1888, 
when he l>egan business as the proprietor of a 
meat-market and grocery, which he .still carries 
on, and from the public he receives a fair trade, 
and is doing a good business. 



On the Sth of April, 1880, was celetjraled the 
marriage of Mr. Habeniicht and Miss Mary Mc 
Henry, tlaughter of William and Man- (Canfield.) 
McHeury, who were natives of Ireland. Three 
children have been born of their union, George, 
I.illie and Clara. They have a pleasant home in 
blast Troy, which is noted for its ho.spitalilw and 
in the connnunitv have nian\- friends. 

Mr. and Mrs. Habernicht are both members of 
the Catholic Church. In his political views, our 
subject is a Democrat, and on theytli of Kebruar>-, 
1894, received the appointment of Postmaster of 
ICast Troy. His administration will be acceptable 
to the people, for he is earnestly endeavoring to 
faithfully discharge all duties. He has now made 
his home in East Troy for a quarter of a century, 
and has many acquaintances, who hold him in 
high esteem for the excellencies of his char- 
acter and his sterling worth. He possesses good 
business ability, and is now at the head of a pay- 
ing store. 



ALVIX W. COOK 



(p\ I.\1N W. COOK, one of the vahie.l and in- 
LA lUiential citizens of La Grange Township, 
/ I who for man>' years followed farming, but is 
now living a retired life, is a native of the Ivmpire 
State. He was Ixjrn in the township of Antwerp, 
Jeffer.soJi County , Se|)tember 20, 1 S25. His father, 
Jesse Cook, was lK)rii in Green County, N. V., 
and was of Ivnglish descent. The mother of our 
.subject bore the maiden name of Xancy Lo/.ier, 
and was of Scotch lineage. They became the par- 
ents of eleven children: Nelson, who now follows 
farming in Trumbull County, Wis. ; Oliver, de- 
cea.sed; Sarah, wife of Brock Schram: Nancy, de- 
ceased: Alvin of this sketch: Hester A. and Will- 
iam, who have also departed this life: Squire, who 
is living a retired life in Harvey, 111; and Julia, 



Delia and Elinor, all now decea.sed. The father 
of this family was a shoemaker by trade, and fol- 
lowed that pursuit in the Ea.st. In June, 1S44, he 
emigrated to the Territory of Wisconsin, locating 
in Whitewater Township, Walworth County, 
where he entered forty acres of land from the Gov- 
ernment, jiaying for the same the usual ])rice of 
i\. 25 per acre. For about fourteen years he lived 
in Walworth County, and in 1S58 went to Trum- 
bull County, where he took up a .soldier's claim, 
for he had .served in the War of 18 12. There he 
secured one hundred and sixty acres of land. 
His fatlier. Miles Cook, was one of the heroes of 
the Revolution. He enli.sted in the Colonial army 
at the age of sixteen, and for five years served as a 
drummer in the Revolutionary War. Jes.se Cook 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



299 



was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and took a very active part in church work. His 
death occurred at the age of seventy-three years, 
and his remains were interred in Heart Prairie 
Cemetery. His wife, who was also a consistent 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, died 
Augu.st 17, 1845, and was buried in Round Prai- 
rie Cemetery. 

Upon his father's farm Alvin Cook was born 
and reared, and his educational privileges were 
those afforded by the district schools of the neigh- 
borhood. In July, 1845, journeying by canal and 
the Lakes, he came to the Territory of Wisconsin, 
and became a resident of Whitewater Town.ship, 
Walworth County, on July 17, of that year. To 
his father he gave the benefit of his labors until 
twenty-one years of age, when he began working 
on a farm by the month, recei\-ing for his services 
$1 1 . He was thus employed for about three years, 
on the expiration of which time he purchased of his 
father the old homestead, and added to it a tract of 
forty acres. He there lived until 1868, when he 
sold out, and purchased one hundred and tliirtj- 
acres of land on .section 31 , La Grange Township. 
His time and attention were then devoted untir- 
ingly to the cultivation of his land until 1890, 
when he retired from active business life, and re- 
moved to his present home. He now owns one 



hundred and thirty-four acres of well-improved 
and valuable land, and derives therefrom a good 
income. 

On the 3otli of October, 1848, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Cook and Miss Lucinda H. 
SafFord. They have become the parents of eight 
children, namely: Henrj' and Elfred, who are now 
decea.sed; Arvilla, wife of William J. Olds, a res- 
ident of Whitewater; Charles, decea.sed; Seymour, 
who is proprietor of a store at Heart Prairie; Em- 
er3', who is engaged in farming in La Grange 
Town.ship; Carrie E., at home; and Arthur, de- 
ceased. 

Mr. Cook votes with the Republican party , and 
has served as Asses.sor of his township for twenty- 
two years. No higher testimonial to his faithful- 
ness could be given than his long continuance in 
office. He holds membership with the Odd Fel- 
lows' Society, and is a Director and Vice-President 
of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Sugar 
Creek. He has lived in Wisconsin during its en- 
tire existence as a State, and from observation is 
familiar with a part of its territorial history. He 
has been actively interested in everything pertain- 
ing to the development and upbuilding of Wal- 
worth County, has ever borne his part in the work 
of public improvement, and well deserves mention 
among the honored pioneers. 



WILLIAM BURGIT. 



IILLIAM BURGIT, deceased, was one of 
the honored pioneers of Walworth County, 
and took a prominent part in its upbuild- 
ing and development, giving his support to every- 
thing that pertained to the welfare of the com- 
numity. A native of New York, he was born in 
Richford, Tioga County, on the 6th of December, 
18 18, and is a son of Jacob and Polly (Gardner) 
Burgit, who were also natives of the Empire 



State. The family is of Holland-Dutch origin, 
and the name was originally^ spelled Burghardt. 
The father was a farmer by occupation, and at an 
early day emigrated westward. He spent two 
years in South Bend, Ind., and on the 17th of 
March, 1837, took up his residence in East Troy, 
Wis. , where he spent his remaining days. Purchas- 
ing land, he developed and improved a farm, which 
he afterwards e.xchanged for a saw and grist mill 



300 



1'URTR.\1T AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



in Ka>l 'iri)y. He Uilii carried on the milling 
business for several years, and was recogni/ed as 
one of the enterprising business men of the ])lace. 
His death fKxnirred in 1S67, at the age of sixty- 
four years. His wife was a charter memlier of 
the Congregational Church of Kast Troy, and toijk 
a ])rominent jKirt in church and benevolent work. 
Their family numlK-red the following children; 
William, of this sketch; Marietta, decea.sed. wife 
of Joseph Cummings: Almina, wife of Homer 
Hrooks; .\nn ICliza, wife of George Smith: 
Dwight; Amanda; and one who died in infancy. 
William Hnrgit s\n:ni the first eighteen years of 
his life in his native State, and then came with his 
parents to Mast Troy. The famil\ all worked to- 
getlier on the farm and in the mill, and thus his 
time was pa.s.sed for several years. They took up 
the farm now known as the Dean farm, wliicli 
also included the Randolph farm, paying for the 
same $50. That i)lace they afterward traded for the 
Ca.ss fann, and, building a house ujion it, there 
made their home through the summer, during 
which time they broke thirty acres of land, 
planteil corn and potat<)es, and .sowed oats. About 
the 1st of September they traded that property 
for Rolwrt's interest in the water-power, which 
they then owned in connection with Maj. Meach- 
am and A. Spoor. They finally bought out the 
intere.sts of Meacham & Spoor, and in the fall of 
1S37 l)eg5n building a sawmill, which they com- 
menced toojK-rate in March, iS_vS. They followed 
that bu.siness in connection with fanning until 
1.S44, when they built a gristmill. The family 
li\ L1I in a log cabin on the bank of the creek, and 
their farm, containing four hundred acres, extend- 
ed to what is now the c.-nttr of the ]>ark in Ka.st 
Troy on the north, to the Ulanchard farm on 
the west, and to the top of the hill on the 
south. The county was at that time largely 
unimprovetl. Austin McCracken then lived 
in a log cabin where the iiaat Tro_\- House 
now stands, the only house in that ])lace. In 
1840, he and Jacob Hurgit laid (jut what is 
now the town of Ivast Troy, and lots were given 
to parties who wo>dd build thereon. On the 
corner opiH)sile the ICasl Troy House a .store and 
residence were l)uilt and occupied by Sewall 



Smith. In 1.^41. S. B. Edwards, to whom they 
gave the land in front of the park, built the 
blacksmith shop which is still standing, his fam- 
ily living above the shop. They also gave the 
Methcxlist ])eoplc a lot for a church and jiarson- 
age, also one for the Presbyterian Church, where 
the Lutheran Church now .stands, and another oc- 
cupied by the Congregational Church. In 1841 
a lot was given to John Larkin. who erected the 
frame house now occupied b>- Delos Waters. The 
Hurgit homestead, built the same year, was a 
story and a-half residence, and the fir.st frame 
building in Ea.st Troy. It is now occujjied by H. 
S. Bovee and his family, his wife being a daugh- 
ter of Mr. Hurgit. Thus the town grew, and the 
work of development and improvement was car- 
ried forward. 

William Hurgit was united in marriage in 
Rochester, X. V., January 14, 1862, to Mi.ss Ma- 
ria J. Burleigh, a daughter of James and Dorcas 
\'. (Carr) Burleigh, the former a native of Mass- 
achusetts, and the latter of New Hampshire. 
Their only child, Edith Fulton, is now the wife of 
H . S. Bo\'ee, whose sketch appears elsewhere in 
this work. Mr. Burgit was a member of the 
Congregational Church, becoming so during his 
la.st illness. His wife is a member of the .same 
denomination. Mr. Burgit took quite a prom- 
inent part in public affairs, often presided at pub- 
lic meetings, and in 1870 and 1874 was elected 
to the State Legislature. For twelve years he 
served as a member of the School Board, and 
earnestly labored in the interest of education. In 
politics he was a Republican, and wannly advo- 
cated the principles of that party . He ser\ed as 
Secretary of the Troy and East Troy Farmers' 
Mutual Fire Insurance Company for fifteen years, 
and was the oldest settler of ICast Troy Township. 
His life was ever true and upright, and in his 
busine.ss dealings he was straightforward and 
honorable. Those who knew him held him in 
the highest esteem, and his loss was deepl\ mourn- 
ed. He tlied Septendxr 23, 1892, and his funeral 
was attended by a large concourse of friends from 
all over this pari of the county. Mr. Burgit was 
a strictly lcmi)ir:iU- 111:111, and m-ver u.sed tobacco 
or liquor. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



301 



HUBERT STEPHEN BOVEE. 



HUBERT STEPHEN BOVEE, who owns a 
valuable farm, b'ing partly- within the city 
limits of East Troy, is one of the successful 
agriculturists of Walworth Count}'. In connec- 
tion with agricultural pursuits he is engaged in 
the dairy business, and has a butter factor}^ upon 
his place. As he is one of the representative 
citizens of the community, we feel assured that 
this record of his life will prove of interest to 
many of our readers, and gladly give it a place in 
the historj' of the county. 

Mr. Bovee belongs to one of the early families 
of Wisconsin. His grandfather, Hon. Mathias 
J. Bovee, was a native of New York, and made 
farming his life work. He twice served as a 
member of Congress, and was a highly educated 
man, well fitted to be a leader of the people. His 
death occurred when about eighty-four years of 
age, and his wife, Elizabeth B. Bovee, passed 
away at the age of ninety. The}- had a family of 
ten children. In 1839 they came to Wisconsin, 
and at one time Mr. Bovee owned the entire site 
of Eagle. 

The father of our subject, Edward L. Bovee, 
was the ninth in the family, and was born in 
Amsterdam, N. Y., June 29, 1S33. With his 
parents he located permanently in Wisconsin in 
1843, and resided in Eagle until his death. On 
the 4th of November, 1859, he married Miss 
Elizabeth B. Hillier, a native of Bradford, Eng- 
land. Her father, with his family, crossed the 
Atlantic to New York City in 1839, and there en- 
gaged in the hardware business for a time. In 
1853, lie emigrated to Mukwonago, where he 
carried on a hardware .store until his death, in 
1874. To Mr. and Mrs. Bovee were born four 
.sons and a daughter: De Witt C., now living in 



Chicago; Hubert S. of this sketch, and his twin 
brother, Hal.sey W., of Janesville, Wis.; Mervin 
W., who makes his home in Elkhorn; and Em- 
ily, wife of J. M. Jones, of Philadelphia. For 
many years Mr. Bovee carried on farming, but in 
1876 he abandoned that' pursuit, and on the 4th 
of November he opened a grocery in Eagle. He 
also carried on a meat-market, and was engaged 
in the cultivation of fruits and vegetables. He 
was of a happy and cheerful dispo.sition, pleasant 
and genial in manner. It seemed that he could not 
do too much to promote the welfare or enhance the 
happiness of his family, who fully reciprocated his 
love. He possessed many excellencies of charac- 
ter, and lived an honorable, upright life, well 
worthy of emulation. To his children he left the 
priceless heritage of an iuitarni.slied name. He 
pa.ssed away on the 5th of July, 1892, at the age 
of fifty-nine years, and almost everyone in the 
town of Eagle attended his funeral, paying their 
last tribute of respect to him who had lived 
among them .so long, and had been one of the 
leaders in their midst. His wife still survives 
him, and yet makes her home in Eagle. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
was born and reared in Eagle, the days of his 
boyhood and }outh being quietly passed midst 
play and work, and in attendance at the public 
schools. For eight years he engaged in business 
as a barber, and then spent two years as travel- 
ing salesman for a commission hou.se of Chicago. 
He possesses good busine.ss abilit}-, and by his 
well-directed efforts has acquired a comfortable 
competence. 

On the 4th of November, 1885, Mr. Bovee was 
united in marriage with Miss Edith, daughter of 
William and Maria J. (Burleigh) Burgit. Three 



302 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



children have Ueii Unn of their union: Roy K.. 

William Clayton and Harold H. Mrs. IJovee is a 

nienilx-r of the CongrcKational Church. They 

hold an enviahle position in social circles where 

true worth and intelligence are received as the 

l>a.s.sports into K<Kxi society, and in the conunnni- for that purpose. In his political views, he is a 

tv have nianv warm friends. In connection with Democrat. 



his wife and mother-in-law, Mr. Bovee owns a 
fine farm of two hundretl and seventy-five acres 
in Kast Troy Township, which he has placed un- 
der a high state of cultivation. He is also in- 
tereste<l in the dairy husine.ss, keeping forty cows 



VROV. A. V. ERNST 



r\K()l- .\ !•■. IvKNST is I'resident of the 
L/ Northwestern University of W'atertown. and 
t^ his excellent abilities, both natural and ac- 
quiretl, well ((ualify him for the position which he 
now so ably fills. He was born in Hanover. Ger- 
many, on the 25th of June, 1X41, and is a .son of 
Carl and Agnes ( Brackebusch ) Krnst. The father 
is still living in Germany, at the advanced age of 
eighty years, and has been a minister of the Gos- 
pel for many years. He ser\e<l as Chaplain to 
the King of Hanover during the short war with 
Prussia, but has been retired since 1.S66. The 
mother is now deceased. In their f;imily were 
seven sons and three daughters, namely: Oteofine 
M., who is living in the l"atherland; A. F. of 
this sketch; Louise, now deceased; William, who 
married a daughter of ex-Mayor Hart, of Hosloii, 
and is living in that city; Mary, who is still in 
ICurope; Referick, who is engaged in llie practice 
of law in New York City; Gerhardt, also of that 
city; Charles, who is engaged in the manufacture 
of glass in Belgium; George, a druggi.st of New 
York City; and Agnes, who still makes her home 
in German.v. 

Prof. ICrnst acquired an excellent education in 
the I'atherland, and after attending the conunon 
schools was graduated from the College of Celle 
in 1S59. He then studied at the university, af- 
ter which he engaged in teaching for one year in 
his native land. He also prepared himself for the 



niinistr\ . At length he determined to seek a 
home in the New World, and in 18^3 sailed for 
America, landing at New York City. He entered 
the mini.stry, and in 1864 was ordained in Potts- 
town, Pa., as a preacher of the German Lutheran 
Church. He next had charge of a church in 
Queens Counlv . N. Y., quite near Brooklyn, and 
there remained until 1868, when he went to the 
city of Albany, where he .spent one year. In 
1869, he was called to Watertown. Wis., as a 
member of the faculty of the Northwestern Uni- 
versity, and in 1870 was elected President of the 
institution, which position he has since filled. 

The Northwestern I'niversity was estal)lished 
in 1864, and was opened in the fall of 1S65. The 
first President was Rev. A. Martin, now of the 
College of Gettvsburg, Pa., and he was succeeded 
by Lewis O. Thomp.son, who was the predeces.sor 
of Prof. Ernst. The means for the construction 
of the buildings for the university were .secured 
by J. Hading, the pa.stor, who went to Germanv 
and Ru.s-sia to make collections. After the comple- 
tion of the building in 1865, a college was found- 
ed, which, however, was consolidated with the 
Concordia College of St. Louis in 1870. A new 
era began when Prof. .\. K. l-'rn.st took charge of 
the university. He extended the college course 
to .seven years, and provided for English instruc- 
tion in all branches except religion and, in part, 
history. The growth of the institution was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL, RECORD. 



303 



marked by the addition of the residence for the 
President in 1872, another school building in 
1875, a Turner hall in 1876, and a large build- 
ing containing dining-hall, kitchen, rooms for 
scientific collections, music-hall, etc. , which was 
erected in 1887. Tlie graduates of the clas- 
sical department number more than one hun- 
dred. The Normal School has produced over .si.x:- 
ty-five teachers, now holding positions in all parts 
of the Xorthwe.st, and the graduates of all depart- 
ments exceed two thousand. The facult\- con- 
sists of seven professors, two of whom, Prof. Ernst 
and Dr. Notz, were educated in Europe. The 
mu.sical department is an important factor in this 
institution. At present it numbers over one hun- 
dred and seventy-five students. The library con- 
sists of over tliree thousand volumes, and the col- 
lection of apparatus and other accessories is com- 



plete. As an educational institution, the univer- 
sity's importance lies in the successful .solution of 
the problem of how to enable students to obtain 
a complete ma.ster>- of two living languages. 

Prof Ernst is recognized as one of the promi- 
nent and mo.st capable educators of the State. He 
was married in 1868 to Mi.ss Agnes Hartwig, a 
native of Germany, and to them have been born 
nine children: George, who is now senMng as 
Consul to Reichenberg, Bohemia, having been 
appointed to that office by President Cleveland in 
April, 1894; Charles, Professor of NaturaKSeience 
in the Northwestern University; Ador^shine, 
Elizabeth, Mary, Frederick, August and Rudolph, 
all of whom are in .school, with the exception of 
the two eldest. In 1892 Prof Ernst was elected 
President of the General Synod of Wisconsin, 
Minnesota and Michigan. 



JAMES W. DUNCOMB. 



(Tames W. DUNCOMB is one of the well- 
I known citizens of La Grange Township. He 
0/ follows general farming and stock-raising on 
section 33, where he has one hundred and twenty 
acres of rich prairie land. He started out in life 
for himself a poor boy, but he possessed an enter- 
prising and energetic spirit, which has overcome 
the difficulties in his path. Step by step he has 
worked his way upward, until he has obtained a 
well-deserved competence. 

Mr. Duncomb is a native of Canandaigua 
County, N. Y., born December 13, 1852, and is 
a son of Moses and Mary J. (Wilbur) Duncomb, 
who were also natives of the Empire State. The 
father was a black.smith by trade, and followed 
that business in the liast until 1855, when he went 
to Jefferson County, Wis. In Hebron, Wis., he 
carried on a blacksmith .shop until April, 1861, 
when, prompted by patriotic impulses, he re.spond- 



ed to the President's call for troops, and became a 
member of Compain- A, Fourth Wisconsin In- 
fantry, in which he served for three years. Dur- 
ing an engagement he was wounded by a minie- 
ball in the left arm, above the elbow. He partici- 
pated in the following engagements: Port Hudson, 
Baton Rouge, \'icksburg. New Orleans, Clinton, 
Mobile, Bayou Fish and Grand Gulf. When his 
term had expired he was honorabh- discharged 
and at once returned to his home. Soon after, he 
removed to Richmond Centre, where he spent 
several 3'ears. He died in March, 1S82, and his 
remains were interred in Barron County, Wis. 
He was a member of the Baptist Church. His 
wife still survives him, and is now living in Me- 
nomonie, Dunn County, Wis. 

Mr. and Mrs. Duncomb were the parents ot 
ten children, eight sons and -two daughters, of 
whom eight are ^■et living. The one in whom 



304 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL, RECORD. 



we are most iiileresteil. Jaiias \\'., was brought A. Lewis, daughter of John and Diantha (Harri- 

hy his pareiit-s to the West during his infancy and son) Lewis. They now have three chihlren, a 

has since lived in this Ux:ality. His school privi- son and two daughters: Kva M., Frank L. and 

leges were those affordeil t)y the district schools Florence E. Their home is the abode of hospi- 

of the neighborluxxl, and even those advantages tality, and Mr. and Mrs. Duncomb have many 

were quite meagre, for at the early age of twelve warm friends in thecommunil\ , who hold them in 



\ears he was thrown u])on his own resources to 
make his way in the world. He began to earn 
his own livelihood by working as a farm hand for 
<.!) jK-r month, and was thus employed for eleven 
years, when he determined to engage in fanning 
in his own interest. For four years he rented 
land in Sugar Creek Township, and then, with the 
capital he had acquired. i)urclia.sed liis present 
farm, this being in 1882. 

In the mean time, Mr. Duncomb was married. 
On the 7th of March, iSy.S, he we<lded Miss Mary 



high regard. 

Ill his political views, Mr. Duncoml) is a Re- 
publican, and keeps himself well informed on the 
issues of the day, but has never sought or desired 
l)ul)lic office, his time and attention being fully 
taken up by his bu.siness interests. He has led a 
l)us\ life, and earnest efforts and untiring industry- 
have brought him success. In liis dealings he is 
always straightforward and honorable, and has 
thereby won the confidence and e.steem of all with 
whom he has bc-en brought in contact. 



W ILLlAAl JACKSON. 



|Ii,LlAM JACKSON, decea.sed, was Iwrn 
in Lancashire. luigland, on the 2otli of 
March, 1835, and was a son of William 
and Xancy ( Wolfenden t Jackson. He was reared 
in his native village, and in its .sch(M)ls acquired 
a good business education. With his parents he 
came to America in 1S44, cro.ssing the broad At- 
lantic in a sailing-ve.s.sel to Ma.s.sacluisetts. In the 
Bay State he made his home until 1852, when he 
came to Wi.sconsin, where his remaining days 
were iias.sed. No event of special ini])ortance oc- 
curred during his Ixjyhood and youth. In the 
Ivast he learned the shoemaker's trade, and on at- 
taining his majority began life for himself 

Mr. Jackson followed .shoe-making for a few 
years after coining to the Badger State, and then 
turned his attention to farming. As he had no 
capital, he rented land until he was enabled to 
purcha.se. In is68, he bought a sixty-acre tract 



on .section 29, La Grange Township, constituting 
a part of the farm on which his widow now re- 
sides. This he at once began to develop and im- 
prove, placing the same under a high state of cul- 
tivation. As his financial resources increa.sed, he 
extended the boundaries of his farm, until itcom- 
jiri.sed one hundred and thirty acres of rich land. 
He carried on general farming, and as the result 
of his industry and well-directed efforts obtained 
a good income. 

Mr. Jackson was married on the iith of June, 
1863, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah, 
daughter of George and Ann (Greaves) Taylor. 
She is a native of England, born on the ytli of 
April, 1842, and is a most estimable lady. To 
her husband she jirovcd a mo.st faithful compan- 
ion and helpmate, sharing with him in the joys 
and sorrows of life, and aiding him in his labors 
by her symjiathy and encouragement. In the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



305 



community she has many friends, and all who 
know her esteem her highly for her many excel- 
lencies of character. 

In his political views, Mr. Jackson was a Re- 
publican, but never sought the honors or emolu- 
ments of public office. He was a .self-educated 
and .self-made man, who deserved great credit for 
his success. A man of wide .sympathy and pro- 



gressive spirit, the best interests of the community 
ever found in him a friend, and his support was 
given to all enterprises which he believed would 
prove of public benefit. He pas.sed away on the 
4th of June, 1893, and was laid to rest in Round 
Prairie Cemeter\', amid the deep regret of many 
friends. 



MISS CHARLOTTE COE EGGLESTON. 



y^ISS CHARLOTTE COE EGGLESTON, 
y who is living in East Tro\-, is a native of 
(g Chenango County, N. Y. , her birth having 
occurred in Guilford. Her parents, Chauncey 
and Chloe (Coe) Eggleston, were both natives of 
Connecticut, and of their family of ten children, 
eight reached mature years, four sons and four 
daughters. Norman, now deceased, was a ph>si- 
ician, and died in Watertown, Wis.; Mary A. 
died Januarj' 3, 1871; Julius was married, reared 
a family of five children, and died in New Lon- 
don, Conn.; Daniel reared a family, and .spent his 
la.st days in Locust Hill, Knox County, Mo.; 
Charlotte is the next younger; Harriet is the wife 
of Francis M. Pa\-ne, of Mukwonago, Wis. ; A.sa- 
hel was a Methodist mini.ster of New York City ; 
and Alice Louisa, who died in 1849, completes 
the famih'. 

Mr. Eggleston, the father, made farming his 
life work. In 1836 he bade adieu to his old home 
in New York, and emigrated westward to Wis- 
consin. For a time he made his home in Racine, 
with his son Norman, but in 1840, when joined b}' 
his family, he removed to East Troy Town.ship, 
Walworth County, where he entered from the Go\-- 
ernment an eightj-acre tract of land. He was 
one of the pioneer settlers of the community, and 
widely and favorably known in that early day. 
While in the East he sen-ed as a training oflScer 



in the regular militia. His death occurred in 
1849, at the age of fifty-six, and his wife, who 
long survived him, pa.ssed away in 1875, at the 
age of seventy-eight years. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Eggleston were members of the Episcopal Church 
in the East, but as there was no organized con- 
gregation in this place, they here attended Meth- 
odist services. They were highly respected citi- 
zens, whose many excellencies of character won 
them the high regard of all with whom the\- were 
brought in contact. 

The Eggleston family was founded in New Eng- 
land at an early daj-. The grandfather was a na- 
tive of Winchester, Conn., reared a large family, 
and there spent his entire life, his death occurring 
at an advanced age. The maternal grandfather, 
Jonathan Coe, was a native of Winsted, Conn., 
and was of English descent. He was quite a 
prominent and influential citizen, and at one time 
represented his district in the State Legislature. 
He was a strong Abolitionist, and was recognized 
as a leader in the community where he made his 
home. He held membership with the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

Miss Eggle.ston who.se name heads this record 
came with her mother and the other children of 
the family to Wiscon.sin in 1840, and lived upon 
the old homestead with her parents until her 
father's death. She then continued to reside on the 



3o6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



old farm with her mother until about 1851, when 
tin- place was sold and they removed to the villaj;;e 
nf l\ast Troy where they hounlit a comfnrtahle 
linme. There Mrs. Kj;Kleston made her home 
until her death, cared for hy her daughter 



Charlotte, who is a lady of many graces of char- 
acter. Miss Kggleston has since that time lived 
in tlu- village, and has many friends in the com- 
nuuiity who hold her in high rc-g.-inl. 



WIIJJAM LINCULX 



)ILLI.\.\1 LINCOLN', decea.sed, for many 
years a prominent and highly respected citi- 
zen of Walworth County, was born in Chil- 
licothe, Ohio, April 5, 1822, and was a son <>l 
Oilman and Sarah (Cady) Lincoln, both of whom 
were natives of New I-jigland. The paternal 
grandfather was a cabinet-maker Ijy trade, a Cap- 
tain in the Revolutionary War, and died in the 
Ivast at an advanced age. His family numbered 
fourteen children. The maternal grandfather was 
a native of New Ham]).shire, and was of French 
desi-ent. Oilman Lincoln followed the canal trade, 
owning a boat on the luie Canal. On leaving his 
home in Ohio, he returned to Oneida County, 
N. Y., and later ti>ok u]i his residence in Roches- 
ter, Wis., where he spent his remaining days. In 
his family were nine children who reached mature 
\ears, namely: William and HenrA', both de- 
cea.sed; Thomas, who resides in Independence, 
Iowa: Mary, wife ot J. H. Sackett, of Hnffalo, 
N. v.: Susan, wife of J. Watkins, of Indeiiend- 
ence, Iowa; Martha, wife of Henry Cole, of the 
same place: Caroline, wife of ICdward King, of 
California: and three others who are dead. 

No event of special importance occurred during 
the boyhood and youth of our subject, who lived 
(luiitly njion the old home farm until he had at- 
tained his majority. On the ijlii of .\ugust, 
1847, he was united in marriage with Mi.ss Amanda 
Iv. Mayhew. daughter of William M. and Anna 
(Cook) .Mavhew, the former a native of I-'nglaud, 
and the hitter of Oneida Ci>uiit\-. N. V. Four 



children were born of this union, of whom one 
died in infancy. William Iv., the eldest, married 
Miss iMuma Cary, and died at the age of twenty- 
four \eurs, leaving a daughter, Winnie K. Ida 
A. became the wife of Willie R. Dyke, and tliey 
had two children, but both are now deceased, as is 
also Mr. Dyke. His widow has .since become the 
wife of William R. Jones, a resident of Oneida 
County, N. V., and they have two daughters, 
Fleanor Gertrude and Kva Amanda. Celia K. is 
tlie wife ofJes.se A. Merry, who is now operating 
the old home farm, and the>- lia\e one .sou, How- 
ard. 

The year 1.S46 witnes.sed the arrival of William 
Lincoln :ind famil>- in Wisconsin. They first lo- 
cateil in Rochester, but after two years came to 
Walworth County, .settling in Spring Prairie 
Township, where they resided until 1867, when 
they removed to the farm upon which Mrs. Lin- 
coln now resides. A tract of one hundred and 
thirt>- acres was first jnirchased, to which Mr. Lin- 
coln afterward added forty acres. This he fenced 
and im]iroved, placing the land under a high state 
of cultivation, while ujxm tlie farm he erected 
good buildings, which stand as monuments to his 
thrift and enterpri.se. He led a busy and useful 
life, and as the result of his industry, enterpri.se, 
and able management he left to his family a good 
property. 

Mr. Lincoln was a wide-awake and i)rogre.ssive 
citizen, who did all in his power for the advance- 
nienl of the best interests of the county, and was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 



307 



always glad to see improvement along any line. 
In politics he was a Republican. In manner he 
was a pleasant, agreeable gentleman, who enjoyed 
entertaining his friends, and throughout the com- 
munity he was held in the highest regard. He 
never used tobacco or liquor, being strictlj- tem- 
perate in his habits. His death occurred on 
the ist of November, i8gi, at the age of .seventy 



years, and his loss was deeply and sincerely 
mourned throughout the community. Mrs. L,in- 
coln, a most estimable lady, holds membership 
with the Baptist Church. She still resides on the 
old home, which has been her place of residence 
for twenty-seven years. All who know her esteem 
her highly, and in the history of her adopted 
county she well deserves representation. 



LEROY W. MERRICK 



I EROY W. MERRICK, who is engaged in 
I C merchandi.sing in Spring Prairie, is num- 
\ J bered among the native sons of Walworth 
County, for he was born in Spring Prairie Town- 
.ship, March 12, 1840. In a family of seven 
children he is the eldest. His parents were Aus- 
tin h. and E.sther P. (Cook) Merrick. Tlie fam- 
ily was originally of Welsh descent, but at an 
early day in the history of this countrj' was 
founded in America. The father of our subject 
was born in Delaware County, N. Y., .spent the 
days of his boyhood and youth upon a farm, and 
when a young man came to Wisconsin, locating 
in Spring Prairie Township in 1836. Here he 
made a claim, and when the land came into mar- 
ket purchased it of the Government. There were 
only three settlers in the township at that time 
and the greater part of the county was still wild 
and unimproved, giving little evidence of the 
growth and progress which were soon to trans- 
form it. Mr. Merrick went through all the ex- 
periences and hardships of pioneer life, performed 
the arduous ta.sk of developing a new farm, and 
made his home thereon until his death, which 
occurred at the advanced age of eighty-one years. 
Thus another of the honored pioneers and valued 
citizens pa.ssed away. He took quite an active 
interest in politics, voting with the Democratic 
partj', and for three terms he served as Chairman 



of the Town Board of Supervi.sors, besides hold- 
ing other local offices. He was liberal in his re- 
ligious views, but his life was always an upright 
and honorable one. His wife, who was born in 
Ohio, died in Walworth County, at the age of 
thirty-.seven years. 

In the Merrick family were the following chil- 
dren: L,eroy: Jerome C. , who is now a practicing 
physician of Chicago; Irene C. , who died at the age 
of twent)--five years; Louise A., wife of J. H. Nor- 
ton, of Elkhorn: E.sther P., of California; Au- 
gusta D., wife of Vernon H. Raleigh, also a resi- 
dent of California; and Agnes F. , wife of Frank 
Jones, a farmer of South Dakota. 

In the usual manner of farmer lads Lero}- 
Merrick was reared, and in the common schools 
he acquired his education. He worked on the 
homestead until after the death of his father, when 
he bought the farm of which his father had enter- 
ed a part from the Government more than half a_ 
century ago. For some time he carried on agri- 
cultural pursuits, and was quite successful in that 
line of business. His fields were always well 
tilled, and the buildings and other improvements 
were kept in first-class condition. 

On the 12th of March, 1873, Mr. Merrick was 
united in marriage with Miss Euella J. Ellsworth, 
of Elkhorn, Wis. , and their union has been blessed 
with three children, a son and two dauarhters, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



308 

Louisa J., Rulli !•'. and Chester A all of whom 
are still with their parents. 

Mr. Merrick is a nienihcr of ilic Masonic fra- 
ternity, iK-longiiiK to Spring I'rairie Lodge No. 
136, A. F. & A. M. In politics, he is a stalwart 
I)eni<K.'rat. has served as Ciiainnan of the Town 
Hoard of Super\isors, was Townsliip Trcasnrt-r, 
has ser\e<l as Clerk, and has filled nearly all of 
the local offices, his faithful and efficient .ser\ice 



winning him election. He is true to every trust 
reposed in him, whether public or private, and his 
life has been well and worthily passetl. In 1891 
he rented his larni and came to Spring Prairie, 
where he has since carried on genferal merchan- 
dising, and is now doing a good business, receiv- 
ing from the pul)lic a lilx.'ral patronage, which he 
well merits. 



JAMi:S N. CASi: 



3AMKS N. CASH is now living a retired life 
in the village of Heart Prairie. For many 
\ ears he was prominently connected with the 
agricultural interests of this community, and by 
his enterprise, in(lustr\' and business ability has 
accunnilaled llie capital which now enables him 
to lay aside business cares and enjoy a well- 
earned rest. As he is widely and favorably 
known, we feel a.ssured that the record of his life 
will prove of interest to many of our readers. I k 
was born in ICrie County, N. Y., December i, 
1.S21, and is a s<jn of James H. and Mary ('Pow- 
ers) Ca.se, the fonner a native of New York, and 
the latter of \'ormont. The Case family is of 
I'jiglish and Irish descent. The father was born 
in 179S, and when fourteen years of age began 
learning the blacksmith's trade, to wliich he 
served a five-.\ears apprenticeship, receiving but 
little else in conijK-nsation for his services than 
his iKiard and clothes. He continued to follow 
blacksmithing in the Ivmpire Stale until the spring 
of 1849, wlien he .started westward, making his 
way by team to lUiffalo, and thence by way of 
the Lakes to Milwaukee. He cast in his lot with 
the early settlers of Walworth County, locating 
ill La ('.range Townshi]), where he established a 
smithy, and carried on work at his trade until his 
death. IK- jia.s.sed away Mav 14, 1.S79, and was 



laid to rest in Heart Prairie Cemetery. With the 
Methodist Church he held memlxrrship. In con- 
nection with his sliop he owned a farm, and ac- 
quired a comfortable competence. His wife was 
called to the home beyond in 1876. 

This wortliy couple were the parents of eight 
children, namely: James N.; Celestia, Marj- and 
Thirzah, all deceased: Scxtus, who is living in 
La Grange Township: Samuel, a farmer of Wal- 
worth County; George, a Methodist minister, 
now of Kan Claire, Wis.: and one who died in 
infancy. 

Our subject .spent the days of his childhood in 
the u.sual manner of farmer lads, and the sub.scrip- 
tion schools of the place afforded him his early 
educational privileges. At the age of eighteen he 
entered a select school, and the practical knowl- 
edge which he ac(iuired well fitted him for the 
duties of life. He learned the blacksmitli's trade 
with his father, but has never followed it, save to 
do his own work along that line. He has been a 
resident of Wisconsin since 1848, at which time 
he located in La Grange Township, where he 
purchased eighty acres of land on section 19. 
With characteristic energy he began its develop- 
ment, and in course of time the once wild prairie 
was transformed into rich aiid fertile fields. 

Mr. Case has been twice married. On the 1st 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



309 



of May, 1845, he wedded Miss Mary J. Langlej-, 
and unto them were born six children. Adelbert 
died February 15, 1867: George R. died April 
24, 1851; Thirzah M. is the wife of O. C. Al- 
worth, of Janesville, Wis.; Clara died March 25, 
1864; Walter died October 28, 1861: and Minnie 
E. is engaged in book-keeping in Janesville. The 
mother of this family was called to her final rest 
September 30, 1887, and her remains were in- 
terred in Heart Prairie Cemetery. On the 23d 
of April, 1890, Mr. Case was united in marriage 
with Mrs. Harriet J. Beach, widow of Chester C. 
Beach. Her maiden name was Harriet Emmons. 
She was born in New York in 1827, and was mar- 



ried October 29, 1851, to Mr. Beach, who had 
come to Wisconsin the year previous. 

Mr. Case continued to carry on agricultural 
pursuits until 1891, vidien he determined to lay 
aside business cares and live a retired life. He 
then came to the village of Heart Prairie, where 
he has since made his home, enjoying the rest 
which he has .so truly earned and richh- deserv'es. 
His first Presidential vote was cast for William 
Henry Harrison, and since the organization of 
the Republican partj- he has been one of its 
stanch supporters. He served his township as 
Supervisor for two years, and is a faithful member 
of the Methodist Church. 



A. D. WHITMORE. 



61 D. WHITMORE is an enterprising farmer 
r 1 of Spring Prairie Town.ship, residing on sec- 
/ I tion 20. He there owns and operates three 
hundred and twenty acres of land, a valuable 
tract, and in connection with general farming 
carries on stock-raising. The place is divided 
into fields of convenient size by well-kept fences, 
and the land is highly cultivated and improved. 
An air of neatness and thrift pervades the place, 
and gives evidence of two of the leading charac- 
teristics of the owner. 

Mr. Whitmore has the honor of being a native 
of Walworth County and a repre.sentative of one 
of its pioneer families. He was born in Spring 
Prairie Township April 20, iS44, and is the 
youngest in a family of three children born unto 
Daniel and Man,- S. (Nobles) Whitmore. His 
father was born September 17, 1817, in Essex 
County, N. Y., and was there reared on a farm 
until sixteen years of age. In the spring of 1835 
he came to Wisconsin, locating at a place called 
Groves, in Racine County, where he made a 
claim and began the development of a farm. The 



settlers were few in that locality, and Mr. Whit- 
more aided in surveying the boundan,- lines of 
Racine Count)-. In the fall of 1835 he came to 
Walworth County on a prospecting tour, as the 
Government sur\-eyors had told him about the 
beautiful lakes (Geneva and Delavan), and other 
natural advantages here afforded. There were 
very few white settlers in the county at that time, 
it being mostly a wild and unimproved tract, still 
in its primitive condition. In 1836 Mr. Whit- 
more again came to this county and located some 
claims for his father and other relatives, who 
came from New York and located thereon in 
1837. Two years later he sold his land in Racine 
Comity, and purchased a claim in Spring Prairie 
Town.ship, Walworth County, where he has since 
made his home. He is now the oldest settler of 
the township. The Pottawatomie Indians were 
still living in the neighborhood, and the people 
who located here had to spend their time in true 
pioneer style. The homes were usually rude log 
cabins, and the settlers frequently lacked the com- 
forts, and always the luxuries, of life, but they had 



••,111 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



llic honor of being the founders of the county, 
and to them is due a debt of gratitude for what 
they have done in its behalf. Mrs. W'liitniore. 
who was Ixjrn in Tompkins County, N. V., Jan- 
uary I, 1817, is also yet living. Susan, their 
eldest child, is the wife of Henry X'aughn. whose 
sketeh appears el.sewhere in this work; and Mary 
Jane, now the widow of Edwin Bliss, makes her 
home with her parents. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
remainetl ujK>n tlie home farm until nineteen years 
of age, when he became a student in tiie college 
of Milton, from which he was graduateil in 1871. 
He then began reading law with Conger & Sloan 
in Janesville, and after ])ursiiing his studies for a 
year was ailmitted to the Bar, but never engaged 
in practice, on account of ill-health. He then 
went to West Mitchell, Iowa, where he .serveil 
as Ciiunt.v Superintendent of Schools for one year, 
after which he returned to his native county, and 
has since devoted his time and attention to fann- 
ing and stock-raising in Spring Prairie Townshij). 

( )n the iith of DecemlK.T, 1878, occurred an 
imiHirtant event in the life of Mr. Whitmore — his 
marriage with Miss Inez C. Childs, of Kwk 
County, Wis. The lady was born in South Read- 



ing, Vt., September 4, 1H50, and is the oidy child 
of Alba and Ann Childs, who were natives of 
X'ennont and New York, resjK-ctively. She came 
to iMlgerton, Wis., with her father in 1856. Mrs. 
Whitmore and her husband were clas.sniates in 
college. .^he subseipiently took the degree of 
.M. S., in Milton College, and became a teacher, 
being Principal of the public .schools of Mazom- 
anie for two years, and of those at Champaign, 
111., for one year. She was but fifteen years of 
age when she first connnenced teaching, which 
was in Fulton. Rock County. .At the age of eigh- 
teen she was Preceptress in Big Foot Academy. 
Unto our .subject and wife have been born four 
children, and the family circle yet remains un- 
l)roken. They are: .\lbert C, \'era Inez. I). A. 
and Glen. Mr. Whitmore votes with the I'rolii- 
bition ])art.v, keeps well informed on the i.ssues of 
the day, and takes quite an active part in local 
politics. He was elected Chainnan of the Board 
of ,Su]iervis()rs, although the town.sliij) is strongly 
Ke])ul)lican, but would never con.sent to accept 
other office. He is an enterprising and jirogress- 
ive citizen, and a large circle of warm friends and 
pleas:ml acquaintances liokl him in high regard. 



Bi^:\jAAii\ \. (iRrx.oin. .m. d. 



n i;NJA.MIN \. C.KFX'.ORV, M. I)., who is 
|C\ engaged in the practide of medicine and sur- 
L«/ gery in S])ring Prairie, is a young physician, 
yet \u> skill ami ability ha\e won him success in 
his cho.sen profe.ssiou. He claims Kentucky as 
the State of his nativity, his birth having ix-curred 
in Louisville, on the i.Sth of October, i,sr>f). He 
is a son of Dr. C. C. and Annie (Collier) Gregory, 
and on the |)akrnal side is of Scotch desi'ent. His 
great-grandparents were natives of .Scotland, and 
were the foiniders of the familv in America. His 



graiulfather. Isaac Gregory, was a native of South 
Carolina, was a Methodist mini.ster, and served in 
the .Mexican and the .Seminole W^^rs. 

I )r. Gregory, the father of our subject, was born 
in CoUunbia, S. C, was reared in his native city, 
and after attending the conunon schools com- 
])leted his education in the .South Carolina Mili- 
tary Institute of Columbia. Later, he .studied 
medicine, ami was graduated from the JeflTersou 
Medical College of Philadelphia. He began the 
practice of his chosen profession in .\labama. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



3" 



where he remained for a number of years, after 
which he removed to Kentucky, locating in Louis- 
ville. He there continued in the prosecution of 
his profession until his death, which occurred at 
the age of sixty-two. During the Civil War, he 
sensed as a surgeon in the Confederate armj-. His 
wife, who was a native of Staunton, Va., died at 
about the age of forty -two years. Her parents 
were born in England, hence our subject is of 
Scotch and English lineage. 

Dr. Gregorj' whose name heads this record 
.spent his early boyhood days in his parents' home 
and attended the High School until about twenty- 
years of age, when, to further add to his educa- 
tion, he entered the University of Alabama. For 
three 3'ears he was a student in that in.stitution, 
after which he entered the Alabama Medical Col- 
lege of Mobile, from which he was graduated in 
1887. He then became a druggist in the Alabama 



Insane Hospital, where he remained for two years, 
on the expiration of which period he was made 
assistant phy.sician of the institution, and thus 
served eighteen months. He next opened a drug 
store in Columbia, Tenn., where he carried on op- 
erations until the ist of January, 1894, when he 
came to Spring Prairie, and began the practice of 
his profession. 

On the 15th of May, of the same year, the Doc- 
tor led to the marriage altar Miss Emma Manning, 
of Walworth County, daughter of Harrj' Manning, 
one of the honored pioneer .settlers. Dr. Gregorj' 
is a highly educated young man, well versed in his 
profession, and is .steadily working his way into 
a good practice, which he well deserves. Sociallj-, 
he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and be- 
longs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politi- 
cally, he is a Republican. 



W. D. STACY. 



D. STACY, a prominent citizen, and Jus- 
tice of the Peace of Watertown , was born 
in Lindsay, Ontario, on the loth of Febru- 
ary, 1839, and is a .son of Benjamin and Mary 
( Dwyer) Stacy. The father was born in County 
Wexford, Ireland. The mother was a daughter 
of John Dwyer, of County Tipperary, Ireland. 
The paternal grandfather, Joseph Stacy, was a 
rebel in the War of 1798, and fought under the 
celebrated Father Murphy. He died in his na- 
tive land about the year 1820. He was a farm- 
er by occupation, making that his life work. 
The family came originally from England. The 
maternal grandfather, John Dwyer, crossed the 
Atlantic from Ireland to Ontario, and became 
quite a prominent citizen of Peterboro and Vic- 
toria Counties, serving as a member of the County 
Councils. In Ireland he served as steward of 



the estates of Lord Haywarden, and after coming 
to America followed farming. 

The father of our subject became a resident of 
Ontario in 1S25, and located in the township of 
Ops. In his younger days he followed teaching, 
but afterward carried on agricultural pursuits, 
and later embarked in merchandising. He also 
bought wheat, and established a distillery in Lind- 
say". While there his property was destroyed by 
fire, in 1845, and he removed to his farm, where 
he remained until 1847, when he sold out, and 
came to Wisconsin, locating in the town of Em- 
met, Jefferson County, where his remaining days 
were passed. His death occurred in 1873, and his 
wife passed away in 1857. 

This worthy couple were the parents of seven 
children, four of whom are yet living, namely: 
William D., whose name heads this record: Ben- 



^^■ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



jainiii; Margaret, wile of Joliii Darcey, a resident lias l)eeii Justice of the Peace. NoUir>- Public, and 
of Clyinan, Wi.s. : and Joseph J., now located in insurance agent of Watertown . 



Idaho. The father was ,Sui)erintcii(U iit of Schcxils 
in the town of lunniet for i\Un\i fifteen years. 
Iking a well-e<lucated mail, he took a great inter- 
est ill the cause of education, and did all in his 
jjower for its progression. During his residence 
in Canada he was for fifteen years School Conimis- 
.sjoner of his town. 

.Mr. Stacy whose name heads this record ac- 
(juired his education mainly under his father's in- 
struction. He was also taught the work of the 
farm, and was eiigage<l in tilling the soil until 
twenty years of age, when he begau teaching 
school. That profession he followed from 1859 
until 1865, teaching through the winter months, 
while in the summer .sea.soii he worked upon a 
farm. He was thus employed until 1X73, which 
year witnessed his arrival in Watertown. He 
was then for three years engaged in merchandis- 
ing, and for three years traveled in the interest of 
the ('(////I'/zV^ "///re;/, of Milwaukee. .Since 1.S81 he 



In 1865. was celebrated the marriage of Mr. 
Stacy and Miss Klizabeth Fit/patrick, and to 
them were lx)ni .seven children, si.\ of whom 
are yet li\ ing: William J., who is now foreman 
of the Watertown 6(/ :<//<• office ; lulward J., who 
is foreman in the fancy candy factory- owned by 
Woodard iK: .Stones: Frank J., who is engaged in 
the mamifaclure of candy; Mary J., who is em- 
ployed as a teacher; Clement S. , who is leaniing 
the candy-making trade; and Be.ssie P.. in school. 
Hen T., who is now decea.sed, was an actor. 

In politics, Mr. Stacy is a stanch Democrat, 
iniwa\'eriiig in his support of the party and its 
principles. He has ser\-ed as Alderman of the 
Fourth Ward for one tenn, was Supervi.sor two 
terms, and was Asse.s.sor of the city for one term. 
He was j)resident of the temperance siK-iety for 
six years, and during his residence here has al- 
ways been identified with those interests calculated 
to promote the general weltare. 



WII.I.IA.M .MI<:A1)C)\\S. 



|11,I,IAM .MlvADOWS is one (.f llie highly- 
res|)ected citizens of Ivist Troy, widel\- and 
favorably known in the community where 
he has so long made his home. .\ native of 
Ivnglaiid, he was born in Lancashire, on the Sth 
of January, 1810, and is one of a family of four- 
teen children, six sons aii<l eight daughters. He 
is j)robably the only one now living. His jiareiits 
were William and Helen (Hunter) Meadows. 
They, t<M>, were natives of luiglaiul, and there 
sjK-nt their entire lives. The father was a hand- 
loom weaver, and died at the age of .seventy years. 
His wife survived him, reaching the advanced 
age of .seventy-eight years. H<ith were members 
of the Kpiscopal Church. The paternal grand- 



])arents were George and Martha Meadows, and 
in their family were six children. The grand- 
father was an English laborer, and died at the age 
of seventy-five. 

In .Scheiiimenlale, ICngland, William Meadows 
remained until alx)ut eighteen years of age, and 
worked in a cotton-factory. He then reiuovetl to 
Holton, and wasemployeil in a factory until thirty 
> ears of age. In May, 1835, he let! to the mar- 
riage altar Miss I-'li/.abeth Howker, daughter of 
John and Ivlizabetli Howker. Five children were 
born to them. George, the eldest, married liliza- 
beth Holden. and lives in F'ast Troy. They have 
three children: Mary, now the wife of George 
Porter, ol Whitewater; Jennie and Frank. Will- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



3'3 



iam is a resident of Ocononiowoc, Wis. He 
married Clara Goodrich, and they have two chil- 
dren, Orlie and Blanche. Elizabeth is the wife 
of Joseph L. Wolfenden, of Evinston, Fla., by 
whom .she has four children : Alice, wife of William 
G. Blake, of South Carolina; John, Edna and 
Herbert. Alice is the wife of L- H. Clark, a 
teacher in the River Falls Normal School, and 
they have two children, Warren and Edith. 
Sarah Ann is the wife of Edward Bromle}', of 
La Grange Township, and they have four children : 
Martha, William, Charles and Frederick. The 
mother of this family was called to her final re.st 
on the 14th of April, 1865, at the age of forty- 
nine years, eleven months and fourteen days. 
On the 13th of July, 1867, Mr. Meadows was 
joined in wedlock with Mrs. Alzina Knapp, 
widow of Stephen S. Knapp, and a daughter of 
Joel and Polly (Roots) Taylor, who were natives 
of New York. By her former husband she had 
one child, Esther A., who died at the age of five 
years and twentj- days. 

In 1840, Mr. Meadows bade adieu to home and 
friends in England, and crossed the briny deep to 



the New World, locating first in Oneida County, 
N. Y., where he lived for nine years. In 1849 
he came to Walworth County, Wis., and pur- 
chased a farm of seventy-five acres in East Troy 
Township, to which he afterwards added a tract 
of ninety-two acres. This he improved, continu- 
ing its cultivation for many years. The land was 
transformed into rich and fertile fields, good 
buildings were erected, and all modern accessories 
and conveniences were added. In 1883 he came 
to East Troy, where he and his wife have a com- 
fortable home, in which they have resided for 
eleven years past. They are members of the Epis- 
copal Church, but now attend the Congregational 
Church, as there is no Epi.scopal organization in 
this place. Since the war, Mr. Meadows has 
been a Republican. He has led a busy and use- 
ful life, and his energy and good management 
have won him a comfortable competence. He 
has witnessed much of the growth and de\-elop- 
ment of the county, and in the work of public 
improvement he has ever borne his part, so that 
he well deserves mention among the valued citi- 
zens of this communitv. 



C. R. FELD, M. D. 



ER. FELD, M. D., one of the leading physi- 
cians of Jefferson County, is now successfully 
engaged in the practice of his profession in 
Watertown. He was here born on the 14th of 
December, 1S58, and is the son of Carl and Minna 
(Wolf) Feld, both of whom were natives of Ger- 
many. The}- remained in their native land until 
1855, when they crossed the ocean to the New 
World. The father was a physician, and had 
graduated from the Wuerzburg Medical College. 
He first located in New York City, where he en- 
gaged in the practice of his profession for a .short 
time, after which he went to Milwaukee, and 



thence to Watertown, where he continued prac- 
tice until his death, which occurred in 1887. His 
wife still survives him, and is now living with 
our subject, who is her only child. 

Dr. Carl Feld was educated in the public 
schools of Watertown, and in the Northwestern 
University, from which he was graduated in 1879. 
He then took up the study of law, and in 1881 
was graduated from the I'nion College of Law in 
Chicago. He then returned to Watertown, opened 
an office, and engaged in practice for .several 
years, but, not liking his vocation, he decided to 
follow in the foot.steps of his father, and in 1888 



3'4 



PORTRAIT AND HIUGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



began the study of medicine. Three years later 
he was graduated from the Rush Medical College 
of Chicago, in the Class of '91, ami imincdiatciy 
began practice in his oUl home town, wliere he 
has built up a lucrative business. 

In 1885, the Doctor was elected a member of 
the State legislature, and served for three suc- 
cessive terms, or until i8go. He served as a 
niemlxT of the Judiciary Conunittee, and in 1889 



was a candidate for Speaker of the House. In 
1.S92 he was elected Health Officer of Watertown, 
a jx)sition he yet fills. He is a young man full of 
life and vigor, ptjssessed of an enterprising and 
progressive spirit, and carries to a successful com- 
pletion whatever he undertakes. He is well 
adapted to his chosen profession, and is rapidly 
winning his way upward in that line. 



aliu-:r'1' sollidav 



aLBHRT SOLI.ID.W. wIk. is now living a 
retired life in Watertown, claims Pennsx 1- 
vania as the State of his nativity, his birth 
having occurred in Lehigh County on the 13th of 
February . 1H42. His parents, Jo.seph and I^liza- 
iK'th (Stein) SoUiday, were also natives of the 
Key.stone State, the former born in I'hiladel- 
jdiia County, and the latter in Lehigh C<)unl\-. 
The great-grandfather was a I-'rench Huguenot, 
and when tho.se of his religious belief were exiled 
fronj their native land in 1747, he came to Amer- 
ica, being bound out to pay for his pa.ssage. The 
grandfather became one of the heroes of the 
Revolutionary War, and was with Washington at 
\'alley l-'orge. He afterwards settled in Phila- 
delphia, where he followed his trade, that of 
clock-making, until his death. 

Jo.seph vSolliday, the father of our subject, was 
a physician, and was a member of the first class 
which graduated frt)ni the Jefferson Medical Col- 
lege. He practiced in Lehigh County, Pa., for 
thirty years, and then went to Circleville, Ohit), 
where he coutimied the prosecution of his profes- 
.sion for a j)eritxl of twenty years. He died in 
Pennsylvania, but was buried in Circleville. A 
])rominent i)hysician, he enjoyed a large practice, 
and held an envial)le re]nitation among tlio.se who 
were engaged in the same profes.sioii. His wife 



passed away some >ears previous. The\- were 
the i>arents of a family of four sons and one 
daughter, but the latter is now deceased. Ivd- 
wiii, the eldest, is a phy.^ician of Penn.sylvania; 
Benjamin is serving as Postmaster of Ringgold, 
Pa.; Albert is the next younger; and James 
now makes his home in St. Louis, Mo., where 
he is employed as a machinist and engineer. 

Mr. Solliday whose name heads this record at- 
tained his literary education in the public schools 
of Pennsylvania and Oliio, being graduated from 
the Circleville High School in the Cla.ss of '61. 
In the summer of 1862 he responded to the 
country's call ff)r troops, enlisting in the service 
as a member of the One Hundred and P'ourteenth 
Ohio Infantry. He took part in the battles of 
Chicka.saw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Ft. Cil)soii, 
Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, and the as- 
sault and siege of Ft. Blakeley, and was mustered 
out at Houston, Tex., on the 31st of July. 1865, 
after three years of gallant ami meritorious service. 

When the war was over Dr. Solliday returned 
to his home in Ohio, where he studied dentistry. 
He also attended a course of lectures in the 
Philadelphia Dental College. His capital was 
limited, which ])revented him from jmrsuinga fur- 
ther college course, although lie had a jiraclical 
knowledge of denti.stry. In 1868, he came to 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



315 



Watertown, and bought out a dental office, go- 
ing; ill debt for the same, but as the years passed 
and his patronage steadil)- increased, he not only 
paid off all indebtedness, but acquired a hand- 
some competence for himself. He continued in 
practice from 1868 until 1893, when, with the 
capital he had acquired, he retired to private life. 
In 1869, Dr. Solliday was united in marriage 
with Miss Lydia Vanness, of Wisconsin, and to 
them has been born one child, A. Fayette. In 
politics, the Doctor is a Democrat, and for four 
j'ears served as a member of the vSchool Board, 
being for a part of the time its President. He 
was Alderman for one year, and in 1884 was 
elected Mayor. He .served for six years as Cap- 
tain of the Watertown Rifles, was commissioned 



Adjutant of the Second Regiment, of the Wiscon- 
sin National Guards, April 25, 188S, and was 
made Major, having command of the first Bat- 
talion, Second Regiment Wi.sconsiii National 
Guards, February 23, 1882. At a special election 
he was elected State vSenator, to fill a vacancy 
caused by the death of Walter S. Green, and re- 
ceived five thousand and seventy-eight votes, 
against three thousand four hundred and eight)-- 
one cast for George J. Kispert. He is a member 
of the Masonic fraternity, was Commander of the 
Commander}' of Watertown, and served one year 
as Grand Captain-General of Wisconsin. He is 
also a member of the Knights of Pythias L,odge, 
and the Grand Army of the Republic. 



CYRUS C. GIBBS. 



QyRUS C. GIBBS, who carries on general 
l( farming and .stock-raising on section 31, La 
U Grange Township, is numbered among Wis- 
consin's native sons. He was born in Racine 
County, near the city of Racine, on the 14th of 
March, 1845, and is a son of William H. and Lu- 
cinda (Fowler) Gibbs, who were natives of New 
York. Bj- occupation the father was a farmer, 
and carried on agricultural pursuits throughout 
his entire life. Leaving the Empire State, he be- 
came one of the earh' settlers of the Territory of 
Wisconsin, locating near Racine. In 1S46 he 
came to Walworth County, and .settled in White- 
water Township, where he purchased eighty acres 
of unimproved prairie land, and began the develop- 
ment of a farm. The place was entirely destitute 
of improvement, and not a furrow had been turned 
thereon. Mr. Gibbs erected a log cabin, and in 
that primitive home resided until 1850, when he 
removed to La Grange Township, and purchased 
one hundred acres of land, upon which he made 



his home for a number of years. Later, he bought 
two hundred and forty acres on section 31, and 
gave his time and attention to the cultivation of 
that farm until his death, which occurred Novem- 
ber 28, 1891, at the age of seventj'-three years, 
his remains being interred in Heart Prairie Cem- 
etery. He was a .successful business man, and left 
to his family a comfortable competence. With 
the Methodi.st Church he held membership. His 
wife .still survives him, and is now living in White- 
water, at the age of sixty-nine years. 

In the Gibbs family were three children: Cyrus 
C; Rebecca J., wife of S. W. Lyman, a farmer 
residing in Clierokee County, Iowa; and Bethana 
G. , wife of Eugene Cornell, a resident of White- 
water. The first-named was a child of only one 
year when he was brought by his parents to Wal- 
worth Count}-. Here he grew to manhood, and 
the public .schools of this community afforded him 
his educational privileges. He was still at home 
with his parents when he responded to the couu- 



irr. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



i; , ^ call for troops, and was assigned to Company 
C. Fortieth Wisconsin Infantry-. The date of his 
enlistment was May 15, 1864, at wjiich time he 
was nineteen years of age. At Madison, Wis., 
he was mustered into senice, and thence went to 
Alton, 111., where the tnM>i)s took boats and went 
to Memphis, where Mr. Gilihs was engaged in 
picket duty. He was there honorably discharged 
on the expiration of his term, in September, iS(\^, 
and at once returned to his home. He continued 
to live with his parents until 1867, when he went 
to a home of his own. 

On the 1 2lh of February of that year, .Mr. Cibbs 
was united in marriage with Miss Mary C. Cook, 
a most estimable ladv, who has been to him a 



ship. Mr. Gibbs is quite a successful agricultur- 
ist, and in connection with general farming he 
also carries on stock-raising. 

S(x:ially, our subject is coiuiecte<l with the 
Grand Army of the Republic, and with the Patri- 
otic Circle. He votes with the Republican party, 
the principles of which he warinlv advocates, and 
his fellow-townsmen have frequently called him 
to i)nblic office. With the exception of three years, 
he has served as Clerk of tlie Scliool district since 
1868, and was Justice of the Peace for four \ears. 
All who know him esteem him highly for his 
sterling worth and many excellencies of character, 
and he has a large circle of wann friends in this 
community. Almo.st his entire life has here been 
]iassed, and he may well be nundiered among the 



faithful helpmate. They began their domestic 

life upon their present farm, comprising eighty honored pioneers of Walworth County 

acres of good land on section 3 1 , La Grange Town- 



AUGUSTUS \vilmi:r. 



(3\ IGUSTUS WILMIiR, a memljer of the firm 
r 1 of Wilmer lirothers. who are engaged in 
/ I general merchandising, is recognized as one 
of the prominent and representative business men 
of liast Troy. He has the honor of being a na- 
tive of this locality, for he was born in Kast Troy 
Township, on the loth of March, 1843, and is a 
son of Hernhard and lili/.abeth (Woltring) Wil- 
mer. The fatiier was a native of the kingdom of 
Hanover, province of Westphalia, Germany, and 
was a farmer by cKcujiation. In 1835 he left his 
native land and cros-sed the Atlantic to America, 
settling in Ho.ston, Mass., where he made his 
home until 1840. That year witnes.sed his ar- 
rival in the Territory of Wi.sconsin, and he took 
up his residence on .section 34, Kast Troy Town- 
ship, where he purcha.sed a farm of one hundred 
and twenty acres, to wliicli he added a tract of 
fortv acres. Ili> time and attention were for 



many years given to agricultural pursuits, and he 
made of his property a valuable farm, which, in 
return for his care and cultivation, yielded him a 
good income. In March, 1888, 'he retired and 
removed to the village, where his death occurred 
March 9, 1892, at the age of eighty-three years. 
His wife passed away November 1 1, 1887, at the 
age of seventy-six years. Roth were members of 
the Catholic Church. Mr. Wilmer, while in his 
native land, had served as a soldier in the regular 
army. The paternal grandfather of our sub- 
ject, William Wilmer, was also a farmer in Ger- 
many, and in 1843 came to Wi.sconsin, living in 
liast Troy, where his death occurred in i860, at 
the age of seventy-six years. He was a volunteer 
in the war under Napoleon. When a young man 
he antl his brother were quite wealthy, and he 
was at one time i)ressed into the .service. Soon 
after, he deserted, but when a short lime had 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



317 



elapsed he enlisted in another ami}-, and was 
wounded. Not daring to return home, he took 
up his abode in Holland, where he remained ini- 
til his emigration to America. 

Augustus Wilnier is one of a family of eight 
children, four sons and four daughters, six of 
whom are j-et living. The others are Bernhard, 
who is living in East Troy; Elizabeth, wife of J. 
A. Schwartz, of Troy Center; Jo.sephine, widow 
of Joseph Doyle; Henrj-; and Mary, wife of Law- 
rence Clanc}-, a resident of East Troy Town- 
ship. 

Mr. Wilmer of this sketch was born and reared 
on the old homestead farm, remaining under the 
parental roof until after he had attained his ma- 
jority. He acquired a good English education, 
and then engaged in teaching school for seven 
years. On the expiration of that period, with the 
capital he had acquired, he embarked in merchan- 
dising in East Troj^ in connection with Theodore 
Haller, under the firm name of Wilmer & Hal- 
ler. This partnership was continued from March, 
1868, until March, 1871, when Mr. Wilmer .sold 
his interest, built his present store, and formed a 
partnership with his brother Bernhard in the line 



of general merchandising. They have carried on 
operations under the style of Wilmer Brothers 
since 1871, a period of twenty-three years, and 
are now at the head of one of the best known 
busine.ss houses of Ea.st Troy. The)- carr>' a large 
and complete stock of everything found in a finst- 
cla.ss establishment of the kind, and for many 
years have done a good business, receiving a lib- 
eral share of the public patronage. 

On the 15th of June, 1868, Mr. Wilmer was 
united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Boyle, 
daughter of John and Mary (Landon) Boyle, both 
of whom were natives of Scotland. Two children 
have been born of their union, Charles B. and 
Marj-. The parents are both members of the 
Catholic Church, and, in his political views, Mr. 
Wilmer is a Democrat. He served as Chairman 
of the Town Board of Supervisors for six years, 
was a member of the School Board for nine years, 
and is still ser\-ing as Treasurer of the Board. 
His possessions have all been acquired through 
his own efforts, and he now owns a farm of one 
hundred and twentj^ acres, bordering on Lake 
Beulah, and a pleasant home, besides his .store. 



HENRY MULBERGER. 



NENRY MULBERGER is a successful and 
substantial busine.ss man of Watertown.who 
now occupies the position of Vice-President 
of the Wisconsin National Bank . He was born on 
the Rhine, in German^', in 1824, and is a son of 
Daniel and Eliza (Weigand) Mulberger, both of 
whom died in the Old Country. In their family 
were four children, who are yet living, our subject 
being the eldest. He was reared in his native 
city, and acquired his education in the Polytech- 
nic School of Darmstadt, from which in.stitution 
he was graduated. He learned the trade of nian- 

16 



ufacturing woolen goods with his father, who 
owned a mill, and worked at the same until twen- 
ty-three years of age. 

It was in 1847 that Mr. Mulberger crossed the 
broad Atlantic to America, landing in New York 
City after a voyage of twenty-two days. He 
brought with him a quantity of woolen goods, 
with the intention of establishing himself in busi- 
ness in New York, but he was not very successful 
there, so went to Cleveland, Ohio. In the vicin- 
it5- of that city he worked upon a farm for a time, 
and then began clerking in a drug store, but his 



318 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



wages wcrt; small, and, with the liopeof IjetteritiR 
his financial condition, he made an overland trip 
to the West with teams in the fall of 1848. His 
destination was W'atertown. which he had visited 
on a previous (K-casion. 

Here Mr. MullK-rger forme<l a partnership with 
D. T. Ainand in the grocePi- business, and the 
connection was continued for two years, when he 
Ixnight out his partners interest. He then put 
in a stock of general niercliandi.se, and for .some 
time carried on ojierations along that line. In 
185 1, he went on a visit to Gemiauy, and after 
his return, in 1852, he .sold out his store. He 
then became interested in tlie building of a plank 
road to W'atertown, and in 1853 he was elected 
Justice of the Peace, which office he held for two 
years. In 1854, he was electetl City Clerk, and 
Clerk of the Municipal Court. In 1855 he Ije- 
gan the study of law, and was admitted to the Har 
in 1S37, when he began practice. 

Soon after, Mr. Mulberger returned to Ger- 
many, and was married in October of that year to 
Matilda Wolff. With his bride he then again 
returned to Watertown, and resumed the practice 
of law, in connection with which he carried on a 
farm, and engaged in ])(jrk-packiiig. In 1865, he 
became associated with Harlow Orton, now Chief- 
Justice, which connection was continued for .sev- 
eral years. He continued the jiractice of law un- 
til 1880, when. lia\ing actpiired a large intere.st 



in land in Dakota, he gave up the practice of his 
profession, and devoted his entire time and atten- 
tion to the care of his landetl interests and to the 
milling business, having become President of the 
Globe Milling Comjiany of Watertown. He is 
also intere.sled in the manufacture of brick. He 
aided in organizing the National Bank of Wis- 
consin, of which he has been \'ice- President for 
many years. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mulberger were lx)rn six 
children: Eli/.a; Henry; Helena, wife of Ed- 
ward May: Lydia, wife of N. P. \'alerius; Charles; 
and Otto. 

In connection with his otlier business interests, 
Mr. Mulberger is a stockholder in the P. Hein- 
richs Company, manufacturers of funiiture, and 
has been an active business man of Watertown 
for many years, prominently identified with all 
its public eiiteqirises. In politics, he has always 
l)een a Democrat, and in 1867 was elected Mayor 
of the city. He .served two years as Alderman, 
was for five years a memljer of the Boartl of Su- 
pervi.sors of Jefferson County, was Chairman of 
the Board for one year, and was a member of the 
building committee at the time the court house 
was erected. He has been connected with nearly 
everj- public enteqiri.se that has tended to upbuild 
the city, and may well be numljered among its 
most progressive and valued citizens. 



WILLIAM A. lUaiRHAl'S. 




I.I,1.\M A. BErRHAlS is one of the were natives of Westphalia :in<l Hanover, Ger- 



kading meichanls of Watertown, and well 
deserves rei)resentation in the hi.story of 
Jefferson County, which is not onl\ his present 
home, but is also his birthplace. He was Ijorn in 
lunniet, I""ebruary 15, 1849, and is a son of 



many, resi>ectively. In 1848 they bade adieu to 
home and friends and .sailed for America, locat- 
ing first in ICnimet, Wis., from whence they re- 
moved to Rock wood, where the father jnirchased 
a .sawmill, and carried on bu.sine.ss until he met 



Adolph and Christina (Noelle) Beurhaus, who with a .severe accident. He was caught in the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 



319 



belting, and, having both legs broken and both 
knees disjointed, he was unfitted for further active 
work. In the year 1853 he came to Watertown 
and opened a boarding-house and restaurant, and 
this business he continued until his death, which 
occurred in September, 1861. His wife long sur- 
vived him, passing away in iSgo. They were the 
parents of two children, William A. and D. H. 
The gentleman whose name heads this record 
was reared in the count}- of his nativity, and ac- 
quired his education in its public schools. In his 
early life he learned the harness-maker's trade, 
serving a regular apprenticeship to the same in 
Watertown, but has never worked at it since the 
day when his term was ended. For a time he 
traveled in the West. He went to Nebraska, 
where he spent two years, and on his return to 
his nati\'e State located in Oshkosh, where he was 
emplo)-ed as salesman in the dry-goods house of 
Clark & Forbes. In 1873 he returned to this 
city, and was made Teller in the Wiscon.sin Na- 
tional Bank, a position which he filled for about 
six months. He was next employed in the cloth- 
ing: .store of Moses Schwab for a short time, when, 



on the i8th of August, 1874, he entered into part- 
nership with William Bolckmann. This connec- 
tion was continued between the two gentlemen 
for three years, after which they divided the stock, 
each embarking in business alone. Mr. Beur- 
haus now carries a fine line of general merchan- 
dise, and does a thriving business. 

In 1877 our .subject was united in marriage 
with Mi.ss Pauline Maldener, and their union has 
been blessed with two interesting children, Harry 
A. and Elizabeth C. In his political views, Mr. 
Beurhaus is a Democrat, and keeps well informed 
on the i.ssues of the day, but has never aspired to 
political preferment. He is a member of the 
Knights of Pythias and Odd Fellows' societies, 
having filled all the offices in both, is a Knight 
Templar Mason, and is now serving as Senior 
Warden. The greater part of his life has here 
been passed, and those who have known him 
from boyhood are numbered among his stanchest 
friends. His life has been well and worthily 
passed, and he has the high regard of all with 
whom he has been brought in contact. 



CALVIN B. SKINNER. 



/3ALVIN B. SKINNER was known and rec- 
1 1 cognized as one of the prominent men of 
\J Wisconsin. For some years he resided in 
Watertown, and were his sketch omitted the his- 
tory of Jefferson Countj- would be incomplete. 
He was born in Adams, Jeffer.son Count}-, N. Y., 
October 10, 1828, and was a .son of Judge Calvin 
Skinner, of New York. The family was of Eng- 
lish origin. The Judge cut his way through the 
woods to Adams Center, N. Y. , and there locating, 
engaged in the practice of law, becoming one of 
the prominent citizens of the Empire State. 



Mr. Skinner who.se name heads this sketch was 
graduated from Hamilton College of New York, 
and, wishing to enter the legal profession, was also 
graduated from the Albany Law School, in 1852. 
He practiced for a short time at Cape Vincent, 
N. Y., but, thinking the West would furnish a 
better field for the labors of an ambitious young- 
man, he followed the tide of emigration, and in 
March, 1855, reached Wisconsin. He took up 
his residence in Watertown, where he began to 
practice law, and continued in that line of busi- 
ness until his death. 



320 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Mr. Skinner was married in Cai>e Vincent, 
N. Y., in 1856, to Miss Frances M. Lee, and to 
them were born five children, four of whom are 
yet living: Mrs. \V. C. Stone. I^e B., of Duncdin, 
Fla., dealer in real estate and owner of an orange 
grove; Charles A.; and Laura M. Mlton is now 
deceased. 

Mr. Skiinier ser\'etl as Superintendent of Schools 
in Watertown for one term, was Mayor of the city 
for one term, and was Councilman for the last 
twenty years of his life. He also !<erved as United 
States Court Conmiissioner of the Western Dis- 
trict of Wisconsin. He led a busy and useful 
life, was di.stinguishetl for his knowledge of law, 
and enjoyed a large and lucrative practice. He 
was also Triistce of the Northwestern Life In.sur- 
ance Company for tliirty years. Socially, he was 



connected with the Masonic fraternity, and. in 
politics, was a stalwart Republican. 

Charles A. .Skinner, the youngest son, was 
reared in Watertown, and his early education was 
supplemented by a course in the Northwestern 
University, from which he was graduated in 1884. 
In that year he went South, and remained until 
1S93, when he returned to look u]) his father's 
law practice. He is now engaged in busine.ss as 
a member of the firm of Skinner & Thamer, and 
bids fair to attain tlie success which crowned 
his father's efforts. In October, 1892. he was 
united in marriage with Miss Aima Pugh, and 
Ijotli he and his wife are members oi the Congre- 
gational Church. In his political views he is a 
Republican 



P. C. QUENTMEVKR. 



r^ C. QUKNTMKVKR is engaged in the man- 
L/^ ufacture of brick in Watertown, and is doing 
fD a good business, being now at the head of 
one of its leading industries. He has a well- 
ei(nipped \ard, and as the brick which he manu- 
factures is of a good grade, he receives from the 
public a liberal patronage, which is well descn'ed. 
Mr. Quentmeyer was born in Westphalia, Ger- 
many, July 5, 1826, and is a .son of Christopher 
and Mary (Bundy) Quentmeyer, both of whom 
sjienl their entire lives in Germany. The father 
was a brick-maker in his native country. He 
was twice niarrie<l, and his family mimljered fif- 
teen children. Our subject was reared in Ger- 
many, was educated in the public schools, and 
with his father learned the brick -maker's trade, 
which he followetl until his emigration to the 
New World. Wi.shing to seek a home and for- 
tune l)cyond the Atlantic, in 1859 hecros.sed the 
briny deep, landing in New York City. He came 



at once to the West, and for two weeks remained 
in Milwaukee, Wis., but could find no work there, 
and .so went to Fond du Lac, where, in connec- 
tion with three comrades who had come with 
him from Germany, he establi.shed a brick-yard. 
They also built a brick-yard at Neenah. In 1851, 
he carried on business along that line, but re- 
ceived not a cent of money, getting his pay in 
trade. Times were hard, and in consetjuence bus- 
iness was not ver>- prosperous. 

In 1852, Mr. Quentmeyer came to Watertown, 
and again established a brick-yard, which he has 
since conducted, with the exce]ition of about three 
years. He has furnished the brick for a great 
many houses, churches and schoolhouses, and 
other jniblic buildings, and for some time past has 
done a flourishing business. 

On the 13th of January, 1854, ^Ir. Quentmeyer 
was united in marriage with Miss Dorothy Koenig, 
who died September 29, 1884. By their union 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



321 



were born five children, four sons and a daughter: 
William P., Albert, Louis G., Julia (now de- 
ceased) , and Herman F. The father was a sec- 
ond time married, on the 13th of January, 1885, 
the lady of his choice being Eliza Chassee. They 
are both members of the Evangelical Church. 

Mr. Quentmeyer is a Director in the Wisconsin 
National Bank, and was also a Director of the 
Globe Mills, the Watertown Shoe Company, and 
of the Insane Asylum. He has been School Com- 
missioner for a number of >ears; served as Super- 



visor, and is now a Trustee of the Jefferson 
County Insane Asylum and Poor-house. He 
served as Alderman for .several years, and in pol- 
itics i,-5 a Democrat. He has long been a wide- 
awake and progressive citizen of the community, 
taking an active interest in everj- public en- 
terprise. He is well known throughout the State, 
and has acquired a competency through his in- 
dustry and economy, so that his last days maybe 
spent in comfort, and ease. 



HENRY D. BARNES. 



NENRY n. BARNES, who follows farming 
on section 30, Spring Prairie Township, 
Walworth County, is one of the honored 
veterans of the late war, who throughout the 
greater part of the service wore the blue, and 
valiantl}- aided in the defense of the Union. He 
is now recognized as one of the enterpri.sing and 
progres.sive citizens of this community, and we 
feel that the record of his life will prove of inter- 
est to many of our readers. 

Mr. Barnes was born in Sherburne, N. Y., on 
the 19th of February, 1S42, and was the third in 
a family of four children, who.se parents were 
Joseph and Lovinia (Yaw) Barnes. The family 
is of English and IrLsh extraction. The father of 
our subject was born and reared in Greenwich, 
Wa.shington Comity, N. Y., remaining on his fa- 
ther's farm until about twenty years of age, when 
he became a guard at the State Prison, being thus 
employed for eight years. On the expiration of 
that period he turned his attention to agricultural 
pursuits. In 1831, he married Miss Betsy Wells, 
who died a few years later, leaving two children, 
Betsy and James, both now deceased. Mr. 
Barnes afterwards married Lovinia Yaw, who died 
in Walworth County in 1873, at the age of 



seventy-four years. Four children were born of 
their union: Adeline S., who died November 4, 
1854; Helen M., wife of J. B. Lockney, of Wau- 
kesha, Wis.: Henrj' D., of this sketch; and 
Davis, who died in infancy. Mrs. Barnes was 
born in Colerain, Mass., and was first married to 
James Sturdevant, by whom she had three chil- 
dren, all now deceased. She was of German ex- 
traction. 

Joseph Barnes .sold his farm in New York 
in 1847, and in the spring of 1848 came to Wiscon- 
sin, where he purchased one hundred and fifty- 
two acres of land, the farm on which our subject 
now resides. There he remained until his death, 
which occurred at the age of seventy-four years. 
He was a Republican in politics, and was a friend 
to the best interests of the community. Both Mr. 
and Mrs. Barnes were laid to rest in Hickory. 
Grove Cemeter}-. 

Our subject was only a child of about six sum- 
mers when, with his parents, he came to what was 
then the Territory of Wisconsin. His education 
was acquired in the common schools of the neigh- 
borhood, which he attended through the winter 
season, while in the summer months he aided in 
the labors of the farm. His time was thus passed 



322 



PORTRiVIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



until his t\sxiit> -in^i >v.ii, when he respondetl to 
the country's call for troops, enlisting August 
21, 1862, as a member of Company I, Twenty- 
eighth Wisconsin Infantrj-. He serxecl as a 
musician during the greater part of the time, anil 
though in a number of engagements, he was 
never wounded or taken prisoner. He served 
until SLi)teml)er 23, 1865, when, the war having 
ended, he was honorably discharge*! at Hnnvns- 
ville, Tex. 

Returning to his home, -Mr. I5arnes then assi.st- 
ed in the management of the farm until after his 
father's death, when he purcha.sed the interest of 
the other heirs, and has since engaged in the cul- 
tivation of the land, upon which he has re- 
sided for forty -si.\ years. On the 30th of April, 
1871, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary 
I<. Hav, of IClkhorn, W'ahvorlli C"tuit\ . and to 



them were born six children, but Joseph and 
Julia died in infancy. Herbert T., the eldest liv- 
ing, is now attending Heloit College, of lieloit, 
Wis. ; lyovinia R. is a student in the Normal 
School of Whitewater; Mary L. and Heiuy D. 
are still at home. 

In his political views, Mr. Barnes is a stanch 
Republican, and has been honored with various 
hx-al offices, the duties of which he has ever dis- 
charged with i)romptuess and fidelitj-. He is a 
Knight Templar Mason, and has been Master of 
the Hlue Lodge for about twenty years. He also 
belongs to Rutherford H. Hayes Post No. 76, 
G. A. R., of Elkhorn. He owns two hundred 
and thirty acres of valuable land, and is a repre- 
sentative farmer, who occupies a high position in 
s(Kial and bu.sine.ss circles. 



CYRIL R. A LI) RICH 



ENkll. k. .M.DklClI, a retired farmer, now 
living on .section 30, S]iring Prairie Town- 
ship, is numbered among the honored citi- 
zens of Walworth County, having since an early 
da\- been familiar with the history of this com- 
nuinity and with its growth and upiniilding. He 
was born in Swan.sea, New Hamp.shire, April 6, 
I. Si 9. He has ever borne his part in the w..rk of 
development, and is one of tlie founders of the 
county to whom a debt of gratitude is due for 
what they have done in opening up this locality 
to civilization. As .Mr. Aldricli has a wide ac- 
i|uaintance in this community, we feel assured that 
this record of his life will ])n>ve of interest to 
many of <mr readers. 

The foiuiderof the famil> in .\inerica was George 
Aldrich, a native of Ivngland, who in 1631 braved 
the many dangers of an ocean voyage at that 
day to found a home in the New World. He be- 



came a resident of Mas.sachusetts, and his descend- 
ants there lived for many generations; The father 
of our subject, Phineas Aldrich, was a native of 
Mendon, Mass., but was reared on a farm in 
New Hampshire, and in the Granite State his 
death occurred at the age of si.xty years. He 
wedded Miss Mary Cornell, who was a native of 
KlKuk- Island, and died at the riix; old age of .seven- 
ty-one. Her father was a native of Ireland, and 
her niotliei' was born in this country, of Knglish 
l)a rentage. 

C>ril R. AKlricli is the third in order of birth in 
a family of four children. The common schools 
afforded him his educational ])rivileges. and he re- 
mained at home, giving his father the benefit of 
his services, until about seventeen years of age, 
when he began working by the month on a farm. 
Since that time he has been dependent on his own 
resources, and the success that he has achieved in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



323 



life is therefore due to his own well-directed efforts. 
He was employed as a farm hand for two years, 
and then worked in a meat-market in Massachu- 
.setts for ten j-ears. During half of this time he 
was proprietor of a store of his own. At length 
he determined to seek a home in the West, hoping 
thereby to benefit his financial condition, and in 
1855 removed to Illinois. For a year he re.sided 
in Rock Island, and then came to Walworth 
Count}', where he purcha.sed the farm on which 
he has since made his home. The land he trans- 
formed into rich and fertile fields, and in the mid.st 
of the,se he has a pleasant home, good barns and 
outbuildings, and other modern conveniences. 

Mr. Aldrich was married May i , 1850, the lady 
of his choice being Miss Julia A. Carpenter, who 
was born in New Hampshire, May 15, 1823, and 
is a daughter of Elijah and Fannie (Patrick) Car- 
penter. Her father was born on the .same farm 
as Mrs. Aldrich, and traces his ancestry in Amer- 
ica back to the seventeenth century. He died 
at the ripe old age of eighty-two years. His wife. 



who was a native of Massachusetts, and was of 
English descent, died in Iowa, at the advanced 
age of eighty-nine. Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich became 
the parents of two daughters: Maria E., now de- 
ceased; and Fannie P., wife of Edgar A. Weeks, 
a retired farmer, now living in Delavan. The eld- 
er daughter was born May i, 1851, and died 
April 23, 1884. Mrs. Weeks was born June 

3. 1853- 

Our subject is a leading and influential citizen 
of the community in which he makes his home, 
and has been honored with the office of Asse.s.sor 
of his township, and also that of Town Supervisor. 
He now owns a valuable farm of one hundred and 
eighty-eight acres, that has been obtained through 
industr}-, enterprise and good business ability. 
He may truly be called a .self-made man, for he is 
deserving of all the prai.se that term conveys. 
Of late years he has laid a.side the more active 
duties of fann life, and is living retired, resting in 
the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. 



GEORGE VAUGHN. 



[^EORGE VAUGHN, a successful and enter- 
l_l prising farmer, who devotes his time and at- 
^jl tention to the cultivation and improvement 
of his fine fann of two hundred ■ acres on section 
18, Spring Prairie Town.ship, Walworth County, 
was born in Pittsfield, Vt., January' 2, 1834. His 
paternal grandfather was a native of Germany, 
and his grandmother was born in Scotland. The 
father of our subject, David Vaughn, finst opened 
his eyes to the light of day in Bridgewater, Vt. , 
and was there reared to manhood. Eong before 
Wisconsin was admitted to the Union he sought 
a home within her borders, locating in Burling- 
ton in 1838. For a year he was engaged in the 
sawmill business at that place, after which he 



came to Walworth County and purchased land in 
Ea Fayette Town.ship, making his home thereon 
until his death, which occurred at the age of sev- 
enty-eight years. He started out in life a poor 
boy, but steadily worked his way upward, over- 
coming the difficulties and obstacles in his path, 
and at the time of his death, he left a large estate 
to his .sons. His wife was born in Vermont, and 
was of Iri.sh lineage. At the age often years she 
was left an orphan, so learned little of the hi.story 
of her family. She died in Walworth County 
at the age of .si.xty-three, in the faith of the Meth- 
odist Church, of which .she was a consistent 
member. 

George Vaughn was the eldest in a family of 



3^4 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



six children, and in the usual manner of farmer 
lads the days of his Ixjyhood and youth were 
passed. To his father he gave the l)enefit of his 
services until twenty-two years of age, when he 
Ijegan business for himself upon a rented farm. 
After alwut five years, when through industry, 
economy and perseverance he had ac(iuiretl .some 
capital, he purcha.sed eighty acres of land on sec- 
tion iS, S])ring Prairie Township, As a com- 
panion and helpmate on life's jouniey, he cho.se 
Miss Fidelia Haight, their marriage being cele- 
hratctl DecemlK-r 22, 1S61. The lady was lx)ni 
in Adrian, Mich., September 13, 1839, and is a 
daughter of Benjamin and Alma (Beach) Haight. 
Her father was born and reared in Chatham, 
X. v., and in 1830 became one of the pioneers of 
Michigan, where he resided until 1842, when he 
became a resident of Hurlinj;ton, Wis. A year 
later, he purchased land in Spring Prairie Town- 
.ship, and thereon made his home until his death, 
which occurred at the age of seventy-one years. 
His parents were natives of luigland, and he was 
a Friend in religious belief. His wife was bom 
in Connecticut, and in Walworth County departed 
this life, at the age of thirty-nine years. vSlie held 
membership with the BajHist Church. In the 



Haight family were twelve children, but only 
four of the number are now living: Hiland, a 
resident of Burlington, Wis.; Louis, a farmer 
living near David City, Neb.; Fidelia, wife of 
our subject; and Angeline, who makes her home 
with her sister. 

To Mr. and Mrs. X'aughn were burn three 
.sons, but Emmet H., the eldest, died in infancy, 
and Elton A. died at the age of five years. J. 
Gilbert, the youngest, is still with his parents, 
and aids in the operation of the home farm. 

Mr. \'aughn is a stalwart supporter of the Re- 
publican party and its principles, but woiUd never 
accept office, preferring to give his entire time 
and attention to his business interests. His wife 
belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
he contributes liberally to its support. His aid is 
never withheld from any worthy enter])ri.se cal- 
culated to prove of public benefit, the best inter- 
ests of the communitj' always receiving his help. 
Mr. and Mrs. \'aughn have a beautiful home 
upon their fine fann, and its hospitable doors are 
ever open for the reception of their many friends. 
Tliey are numbered among the best citizens of 
tile coininuuity, and it is with pleasure that we 
present to our readers this record of their lives. 



CHARLKS 11. lIAi\lMERSLr:Y 



ElIARLES 11. IIA.MMERSLEY, a druggist 
of Lake Geneva, and manager of the Lake 
tkneva Flora Company, is a native of the 
neighboring State of Michigan. He was born in 
Flint on the i.st of December, 1857, and is a .son 
of William H. and Elizabeth S. (Smith) Hain- 
mersley, a sketch of whom appears on another 
page of this volume. Our subject was a child of 
only si.x years when his parents came to Lake 
Geneva, and the greater part of his life lias here 
been passed. He was reared under the ])arental 



roof and acquired liis education in llie public 
schools. When a boy he enteretl a drug store, 
and in that way learned considerable about the 
business. In 1S79 he entered the Chicago Col- 
lege of Pharmacy, and was graduated from that 
institution in iSSo, after which he entered his 
father's .store in Lake Geneva. 

Three years were tliere passed, aii<l in 1S83 
Mr. Hanimersley went to Hurley, Wis., where 
he opened a drug store and carried on business 
for five years. During that period his store was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 



325 



at one time partially, and once entirely, destroyed 
by fire. In 1888 he returned to Lake Geneva, 
and again entered the store of his father, with 
whom he continued until 1890, when he accepted 
the management of the greenhouse of the Lake 
Geneva Flora Company. This position he still 
retains, and now has charge of the largest floral 
plant, with one exception, in the State of Wis- 
consin. 

On the 14th of September, 1892, Mr. Ham- 
niersley was united in marriage with Miss Ida 



Gilbert, a daughter of Ethan L. and Eliza Gil- 
bert. She holds membership with the Congre- 
gational Church, and is one of the mo.st estima- 
ble ladies of Lake Geneva. In his political views, 
our .subject is a Republican, and is a member of 
the Masonic and Knights of Pythias fraternities, 
and of the Masonic Accident Insurance Company. 
He now holds a very responsible position, and 
discharges his duties with the same fidelity that 
has characterized his fulfilment of every tru.st 
reposed in him. 



DR. FREDERICK W. A. NOTZ. 



0R. FREDERICK W. A. NOTZ, Professor of 
Classics and Hebrew in the Northwestern 
University of Watertown, is one of the best 
educated men in the State, and one of the ablest 
instructors. He was born in Wurtemberg, Ger- 
many, on the 22d of February, 1841, and is a 
son of Rev. Theophold and Wilhelmina L. (Bur- 
ger) Notz, both of whom died in Germany. The 
father was a Lutheran minister. Three children 
of the family are still living, namely: Frederick 
W. A.; Prof. Eugene A., of the Lutheran Theo- 
logical Seminary of Milwaukee; and Natalia, wife 
of Charles Schlaicher, a lumber merchant, and Al- 
derman of Stuttgart, kingdom of Wurtemberg. 
Dr. Notz was reared in his native city, and ac- 
quired a mo.st excellent education. He was edu- 
cated in the Stuttgart Gymnasium, and was grad- 
uated from the Lubingen University, where he 
studied philosoph)-, theology and philolog}-, and 
took the degree of Ph. D. After his graduation 
he .served as a private tutor for a .short time in 
Germany, and in 1866 sailed for America, landing 
in New York City. He came over with a 
family as tutor for the children, and with them 
lived in New York and the South until 1868. In 
that year he secured a position as profes.sor of the 



German language in Pennsylvania College, of 
Gettysburg, where he remained one year, and in 
1869 he was employed in the Muehlenburg Col- 
lege, of Allentown, Pa. In 1871 he was called to 
Watertown, and has been one of the faculty of the 
Northwestern University since that time. He en- 
gaged in teaching and was inspector of the insti- 
tution until 1886, and is now Professor of Classics 
and Hebrew. In connection with his other 
work, Prof. Notz was for eighteen years chief ed- 
itor of the Lutherisch Schuheitimg^ of Milwaukee. 
He translated " Institiifioncs Cathclwlcce," by 
Dr. Conrad Dieterich, published in 1613, and 
also wrote a Latin work entitled, "Charters and 
Qualifications of Lutheran Colleges." 

Dr. Notz was married on the 20th of June, 1875, 
to Miss Julia Schultz, and to them were born six 
children. Minnie is now engaged in teach- 
ing; Nettie is a .student in the Northwestern Uni- 
versity; and Willie, Cornelius and Marcus are 
all yet in school. 

The Doctor and his wife are both members of 
the Lutheran Church. They have a nice home, 
are surrounded by a loving family, and are now 
enjoying life. The Doctor has been treasurer of 
the University for two years, and chairman of the 



326 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



supen'ising local committee appointed by the 
Ixianloflrustees of tlie institution. He has taught 
many branches and is well able to fill any position 
of teacher. He now teaches Greek, Hebrew, 
French and drawing, and sjxjaks a number of lan- 



guages very fluently. He is also statistician and 
hi.storian of the synod, and is secretary of the pa- 
rochial school department. He is a fine artist, and 
the excellent paintings which adnni liis parlor 
walls were executed bv him. 



JOHN ALLU'l 1. 



(lOHN AI.LUTT, decca.sed, was for thirty -one 
I years a resident of Delavan, and was recog- 
G/ iii/ed as one o( its valued citizens. His 
sketch well deser\-es a place in the history of the 
county, and we gladly present it to our readers. 
He was born in Yorkshire, I'ingland, July ii, 
1824, and was a son of Jolni and Sarah Allolt, 
who were natives of the same country. In their 
family were only two children, and the brother, 
Joseph, was drowned on his way home from a 
visit to England. The father was a weaver by 
trade. He died in his native land at tlie age of 
.si.xty-four, anil his wife sur\ived him alxnit eight 
years. They were lx>th members of the Ivpisco- 
I>al Church. 

Under the parental roof Jolin Allolt was reared 
to manhood, and in the common schools of his 
nati\e land accjuired his education. On leaving 
home he learned the millwright's trade. He was 
a young man of eighteen when, in 1842, hecros.sed 
the Atlantic to America, locating in Rochester, 
N. V. After a short time, however, he went to 
I'ort Colbi)rne, where he remained for alx)ut five 
years. He then removed to Heloit, Wis., where 
he engaged in the grocery business for a year, 
after which he spent two years carrying on a 
meat-market in connection willi Mr. Jambin. In 
the latter ])art of 1S62 he came to Delavan, and 
made it his ])ermanenl home. He devoted his 
time to running a meat-market and .shipping 
live stock, and did a successful Inisine.ss, accumu- 
lating a comfortable competence. 



On the 4II! of .Marcli, 1S50. Mr. AUott was 
united in marriage with Miss Lucy .Smith, 
daughter of (ieorge and I'Ui/abeth ( Busier ) ,Smith, 
who were natives of Tyrone Township, Hunting- 
don County, I'a. Her lather was a Lutheran 
minister, and iluring the greater part of his life 
engaged in pastoral work in I'ennsyh'ania. Af- 
terwards, however, he abandoned the ministry, 
renio\ed to Canada, and for some time .ser\'ed as 
Deputy Collector at I'ort Colborne. His death 
occurred in 1846, at the age of fifty-seven, and 
his wife pas.sed away in 1S44, at the age of fifty- 
five. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Allott 
also bore the nrfme of George wSmith, and was a 
native of German)-, but in an ear!>- da\- removed 
to Pennsylvania, where lie followed fanning. He 
lived to an advanced age, and reared a family of 
four children. The maternal grandfather, Jacob 
Bu.sler, was also born in Germany, but was mar- 
ried and sjK-nt his remaining days in Pennsyl- 
vania, devoting his time to agricultural pursuits. 

Mrs. Allott was only two and a-half years old 
when her parents went to Canada, and she there 
grew to wom.inhood. .She was one of ten chil- 
dren, five sons and five daughters, namely: Mar\- 
Aim, David, George, Elizabeth, Matilda, Marga- 
ret, Luciiida. Clinton, Franklin and Charles 
Hou.ston. 

To Mr. and .Mis. Allott were horn nine chil- 
dren. John F., the eldest, who is ])roj>rietor of a 
market in Chicago, married Miss Sarah Jones, 
daughter of Rev. William Jones, of California, by 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



327 



whom he has four children: Frankie, Margie, 
Carroll and John. Frederick Clinton is the next 
in order of birth. Henry Euston married Miss 
Ollie Enright, and is proprietor of a restaurant in 
Chicago. William W. is the third of the faniilj\ 
Elizabeth and Sarah Janet are now deceased. 
Nellie May is the wife of Fred Smith, of Bloom- 
ington. 111., b}- whom she has two children, 
Warda Ralph and Lila A.senath. Jennie Lucy, 
the youngest of the family, is deceased. 

John Allott, during his long residence in Dela- 
van, formed a wide acquaintance, and won the re- 
spect and esteem of all with whom business or 
social relations brought him in contact, for his 
life was ever honorable and upright. In politics, 



he was a supporter of the Republican party, but 
never sought or desired political prefennent. His 
well-directed efforts won him succe.ss in business, 
and he owned a farm near Beloit and liad a good 
home and other property in Delavan. He was a 
member of the Epi.scopal Church, and of the Sons 
of Temperance, and the best interests of the com- 
munity alwaj's found in him a friend. Hepas.sed 
away February 18, 1893, at the age of .sixty-nine, 
and his loss was widely and deeply mourned. 
Mrs. Allott is a member of the Free-will Baptist 
Church, and, as did her husband, delights in do- 
ing good. She .still makes her home in Delavan, 
and is one of the highly respected ladies of that 
place. 



CONRAD ENGEBERG. 



EONRAD ENGEBERG has since March, 
1 88 1, been engaged in business in Lake 
Mills as a druggist, and is recognized as one 
of the enterprising citizens of this place. He is 
the successor of David Cole, and carries a stock 
valued at $5,000, including a complete line of 
drugs, fancy goods, stationer)-, etc. His sales 
amount to about $7,000 annually, having under 
his able management increa.sed to the extent of 
$4,000. 

The life record of our .subject is as follows: He 
was born in Waterloo Town.ship, Jefferson Coun- 
ty, on the 2d of October, 1855, and is a son of 
Theodore and Grade (Setz) Engeberg, both of 
whom were natives of Germany, and came with 
their respective parents to America during child- 
hood, the families locating in Waterloo Township, 
Jefferson County. Theodore Engeberg now re- 
sides with his famil)- on the old homestead, which 
his father purchased on coming to the county, 
many years ago. 

The gentleman whose name heads tliis record 



was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, 
and acquired his education in the di.strict .schools 
of the neighborhood. He remained under the 
parental roof until sixteen years of age, when 
he left home, not caring to make agricultural 
pursuits his life work. Wi.shing to learn phar- 
macy, he entered the drug store which he now 
owns at Lake Mills, it being at that time the 
property of B. Hull. After an apprenticeship 
of three j'ears, he went to Chicago, and en- 
tered the Chicago College of Pharmacy, from 
which, after a two years' course, he gradu- 
ated. He was engaged in clerking in drug 
•Stores in Chicago during the summer months, and 
after his graduation he returned to Lake Mills, 
where, in March, 1882, he began business for him- 
self He has been verj- .successful, and his succe.ss 
is justly merited. At the time when he purchased 
the store he had no capital, but being a practical 
druggi.st and good bu.siness man, he has prospered. 
He is one of the substantial, popular and leading 
citizens of Lake Mills. 



328 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Mr. Engeberg has been honored with a number 
of official positions. He ha.s .ser\ed for two yeans a.s 
Town Clerk, and in 1S.S9 was elected Township 
Trea.surer, which office he has filled continuonsly 
since, discharging his duties in a creditable and 
acceptable manner. For many years he has Ijeen 
a nienilH.r of the \'illage Board of Trustees, and 
at the last election was made President of the 
same. Socially, he is connected with the Mason- 
ic fraternity, the Modern Woodmen of America, 
and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and 
in the la.st-named has filled all the chairs. He 



is now Secretarj- of Lake Mills Lodge No. 46. A. 
F. & A. M., and is Clerk in the Woodmen Camp. 
An enerj^etic and enterprising business man, he 
is alive to the best interests of Lake Mills, and 
does all in his power for its advancement. 

Mr. Engeberg was married in iS.Si. the lady of 
his choice being Miss Minnie Sahr, a native of 
Germany, and a daughter of William and Emes- 
tina Sahr. I5y their union have been l)orn seven 
children: Arthur, Herharl, Emile, Ralph. Martha. 
Gracie and Hedwig. The parents are members 
of the Moravian Church. 



TIMOTin' JOIIXSOX. 



' I MOTH V JOHNSON was the first settler of 
Watertown, the date of his arrival being 
1.S36. This was long before the admission 
of the State into the Union. He was lx)rn in 
Middlelown, Conn.. June 28, 1792, and was a 
son of l""l>ene/.er Johnson, who was of Ivnglish de- 
.scent. He early migrated to Rochester, N. V., 
where he married Lucrelia Hrownell, and sid)se- 
t|nently went with his family to -Meilina, Ohio, 
making the journey by way of the F^rie Canal to 
Cleveland, and thence by lake. In 1S36 he 
starte<l from Me<lina on horseback for Wisconsin, 
but after traveling for a time in thai \va\-, he 
.sold his horse, and came u]) the Rock River in an 
Indian canoe to the present site of Watertown. 
Believing this to be a good liKation, he built llie 
first house ever erecte<l by a white man on this 
land. It was hK-aled near the present residence of 
A. W. Corlin, and was a hewed-log cabin. When 
it was ]iarlially completed he .sent for his family, 
and they left Medina, Ohio, on the 12th of Sep- 
temlier, 1837, going to Cleveland, whence they 
came in a sail-boat to Milwaukee, and on to their 
new home by team. They often had to cut their 
way through the forest, but, after a three-months 



journey, they at la-st reached Watertown, in the 
latter part of December. 

Mr. John.son here resided for about twenty 
years, during which time he livetl to .see the spot 
where the Indians had reigned supreme Ijecome 
the site of a large and flourishing town. When 
two decades had passed, however, he became 
a pioneer in the St. Croix region of Wiscon- 
sin, where he spent nearly four years. He af- 
terwards returned tt) Watertown, and for several 
years lived with his daughters, Mrs. John A. 
Chadwick and Mrs. P. \'. Brown, until, by reason 
t)f his physical and mental condition, it was nec- 
essary to place him in the Hosjiital for the Insane 
at Madi.son, where he died in February, KS73. 

.Mr. Johnson was po.sessed of all the .strong and 
marked characteristics of the pioneer. Fearless, 
independent and honest, he perlia])s gave offense 
to some on account of his out.sjioken manner, 
which hill the warm and tender heart that beat 
within him. Before liis aflliction, he was po.sses.sed 
ofnioretlian ordiiiar\- mental ability, was much 
given to research, and was able to express his 
ideas very aptly in his own peculiar way. His 
wife died in November, 1857. Tlie\- were the par- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



329 



ents of nine children, six of whom survive: Char- 
lotte, Harr^-, Mrs. Jane M. Chadwick, Charles, 
Mrs. Alzina Wiley (of Florida), and John B. 
Those deceased are Mrs. Elizabeth Brown, Mary 
and Sejmour. Mr. Johnson was a carpenter by 
trade, but followed farming during the greater 
part of his life. He took up a claim of several 
hundred acres of land where Watertown now 
.stands, and the first postoffice of the place was 
called "Johnson's Postoffice." He became quite 
well-to-do, and was widely known. He will 
never be forgotten, and his name will go down to 
history as a monument to pioneer times. 

John A. Chadwick, the son-in-law of Mr. John- 
son, who was also one of the pioneer settlers 
of Watertown, was born on the 9th of No- 
vember, 18 10, and came to this place on the 
i2thof March, 1837. He left Beloit on foot, 
and made his waj' along the banks of the Rock 
River to his destination. At that time Beloit 
and Janesville contained but one house each. Mr. 
Chadwick arrived at Ft. Atkinson a few days 
after Dwight Forest and his wife there located, 
and with this hospitable couple he remained over 
night. On locating in Watertown, he embarked 



in merchandising, and also established the first 
brick-yard at that place. The latter part of his 
life was spent in painting and contracting. 

In 1842 Mr. Chadwick was united in marriage 
with Miss Jane M. Johnson, and to them were 
born five children, four of whom are yet living: 
Mary E.; Allen H., who resides in Minneapolis; 
Netta A. and Edna M. Charles C. is decea.sed. 

Mr. Chadwick was the first male school teacher 
of Watertown, and was thus employed in 1838 
and 1840. For thirty-seven years he was a mem- 
ber of the Masonic fraternit}-, and at the time of 
his death was its oldest member. A man of un- 
blemished reputation, iipright in all his dealings, 
he was a fine type of the honored old pioneers, so 
few^ of whom remain. In his political views he 
was a Republican, and for many years served as 
Assessor and as Town Clerk before Watertown 
was incorporated. He was a member of the Con- 
gregational Church, to which his wife also be- 
longs. She comes of one of the best known and 
prominent families in this section of the State, 
and is a cultured and refined lady, who.se friends 
in the community are many. 



F. C. MOULDING, M. D. 



|~ C. MOULDING, M. D., a physician and 
JM surgeon of Watertown, is a native of Illinois, 
I his birth having occurred in Kane County, 
on the 23d of January, 1854. His parents, 
Thomas and Rachel (Bate) Moulding, were both 
natives of England, and from that country emi- 
grated to America in 1851, locating first in Camp- 
ton, Kane County, 111. The father was a farmer 
by occupation, and made that pursuit his life work. 
His death occurred in 1887, and his wife passed 
away in the same year. They were the parents 
of thirteen children, seven of whom are yet living. 



Dr. Moulding, who is the youngest, was ed- 
ucated in the public schools of his native county, 
and spent the days of his boyhood and youth in 
the usual manner of farmer lads, for he lived upon 
a farm until eighteen years of age. Not wishing 
to follow agricultural pursuits throughout life, he 
then began the study of medicine, and was grad- 
uated from the Universit)- of Michigan in the Class 
of '85. In the following year he was graduated 
from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of 
New York City, and then returned to the West, 
opened an office, and began practice in Millington, 



330 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Kendall County, 111., where he remained until 
1891. In that year he came to Watertown, Wis., 
where he has built up and extended a lucrative 
busii'.css. His skill and al)ility have won for him 
a lilx:ral patronage, which has constantly in- 
creased and he now takes rank among the leading 
physicians of the coiuily. 

The Doctor is a member of the State Medical 
Society, and the Society of Military Surgeons, 
and is Surgeon for the Second Wisconsin Regi- 



ment of Militia, and for the Chicago, Milwaukee 
& St. Paul Railroad Company. He is a member 
of the Royal Arcamnn, is a supporter of the prin- 
cii)les of the Re[)ublican party, and is a X'e.sVrynian 
and a member of the Episcopal Church, to wliich 
his wife also l>elongs. She lx»re the maiden name 
of Ida F. Wilson, and they were married in 1S88. 
The Doctor is now one of the representative phy- 
sicians of this section of the country, and is well 
posted in his profession. 



CAL\i\ ("iii<:M':v. 



EAIA'IX CHIvNI'A', Secretary of tiie Water- 
town Gas Coin])any, was born in Prospect, 
Me., on tile ;,d of September, 1S29, and is a 
.son of Cyrus Cheney and his wife, formerly a 
Miss Muflget. Hoth the parents were natives 
of the Pine Tree State. The family is of Scotch 
and ICnglisli descent, and was founded in Amer- 
ica before the days of the I'rencli and Indian 
War, for one of Uie ancestors was killed in 
that struggle. The paternal grandfather, Israel 
Cheney, was a large laud-owner of \'ernu)nt, 
but at :in early day he sold out and emigrated 
westward, locating in Ik-loit, Wis. He came 
up the lake, liriuging with him eleven horses 
and other posses.sions. He purchased cit\- prop- 
erty in Heloit and bought land near there, and in 
that locality both he and his wife spent their re- 
maining days. 

The father of our subject was a very fine me- 
chanic, aiul in his younger years learned ship- 
building. In the spring of 1844, hecame to Wal- 
worth Count\-, Wis., where he carried on business 
as an architect and builder, and also made jiat- 
terns for foundries. He was con.sidered a master 
of his trade, doing most excellent work in his 
line. By nature he was modest and retiring, 
never aspiring to publicity. He died in 1S78, in 



his seventy -eighth year. His wife pa.s.sed away 
many years previous. They were the parents of 
six children, but only two are now living, Mrs. 
Eliza A. Grant, a resident of Maine, and Calvin. 
Ivldon, a brother, was a sea-cajitain and died of 
\ellow fever, being buried in Cuba. John was 
buried at sea. The mother's ])eople were a family 
of ship-builders, and were (juite prominent in ma- 
rine circles. 

Mr. Cheney whose name heads this record 
was a child of only eleven years when he came 
with his father to Jefferson County. He attended 
school but little, yet was an apt ])upit under the 
instruction of his father, who was a very well-ed- 
ucated man. He also became a pattern-maker, 
and subsetjuently learned the turner's trade, be- 
coming quite an expert along that line, but a 
quiet business of that kind did not .suit his taste, 
and he went to Milwaukee, where he secured a 
jMsitiou as traveling .salesman for a cigar house. 
After a short time, however, we find him in Chi- 
cago, in the employ of a wholesale grocer, with 
whom he continued for a .somewhat lengthv per- 
iod. He next secured a situation in a wholesale 
tobacco house, which he represented on the road 
as traveling salesman for several years. 

About that time Mr. Cheney entered the service 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



331 



of the Goveniiiieiit, filling the offices of Assistant 
Assessor and Deputy Revenue Collector, in which 
capacities he was employed for a term of sixteen 
years. He has also held office in Jefferson Comity, 
having ser\-ed as a member of the Board of vSuper- 
visors, during which time he was Chairman of 
some of the most important committees. Although 
he is a stalwart Republican, and his ward is large- 
ly of the other party, he was elected, overcoming 
a Democratic majority- of three hundred. This fact 
certainly indicates his personal popularity and the 
confidence and tru,st reposed in him b}- his fellow- 
townsmen. He has now been Secretary of the 
Gas Company of Watertown for twelve j-ears, 
and is its largest stockholder. He is justly re- 
garded as one of the leading and representative 
men of the city, and is always ready to promote 
its best interests. 



In 1854, Mr. Cheney was united in marriage 
with Miss Nancy Keyes, a native of Vermont, and 
to them have been born three children: Clinton, 
who is Superintendent of the Milwaukee & L,a 
Crosse Division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. 
Paul Railroad; Ernest C. , who is engineer on the 
same road; and Willis L., who is chief collector of 
the Wisconsin National Bank of Milwaukee. The 
boys have all been well educated, and thus fitted 
for the practical and responsible duties of life, and 
the famih' is one of which the father may well 
be proud. The mother died March 4, 1887. She 
was a devout member of the Congregational 
Church, and was a lady who had many friends. 
Mr. Cheney is a member of the Masonic fraternity, 
and in social and business circles holds an envia- 
ble position. 



JOHN P. DAVIS. 



(TOHN P. DAVIS, who is now serving as Su- 
I perintendent of the County Poor Farm of 
(2/ Walworth County, has resided in this local- 
ity for thirty-eight years, and is one of the well- 
known and highly respected citizens. He claims 
England as the land of his birth, for he was born 
in the count}' of Kent, Jul\- g, 1S34, and is a son 
of Peter and Rebecca J. ( Kingsnorth ) Davis, who 
were also natives of England. The paternal 
grandfather, John Davis, died in England at the 
advanced age of more than ninety 3-ears. He 
followed farming throughout his entire life, and 
possessed considerable talent as a musician. His 
family numbered four sons and two daughters. 
The maternal grandfather was also an English 
farmer. Peter Davis followed milling through- 
out much of his life. Emigrating to America, 
his last days were spent in Oneida County, N. Y., 
where he died April 10, 1861, at the age of fifty- 



five years. His wife .survived him until Febru- 
ary, 1892, and passed away at the age of eighty- 
two years. They were both members of the 
Episcopal Church, and to them were born five 
sons and three daughters, of whom four sons and 
a daughter are yet living, namely: William H., 
of Milwaukee; Marv' J., wife of Martin Brighani, 
of Waukesha, Wis.; John P.; George F. , of 
Poughkeep.sie, N. Y.; and Peter E., of Oneida 
County, N. Y. 

Mr. Davis whose name heads this record 
spent the first fifteen years of his life in his native 
land, and with his parents crossed the briny deep 
to the New World. He resided in New York 
from 1849 until 1857. The latter year witnessed 
his arrival in Wisconsin, where he has since made 
his home. He located first in Jefferson County, 
where he lived for some j-ears, when he came to 
Walworth County and purcha.sed a farm of one 



332 



PORTRAIT AND BIUGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



huiulred and twenty acres in Richmond Town- 
ship, six miles south of Whitewater. For six 
years he devoted his time and energies to its 
cnltivation, and was then made Superintendent 
of the County Poor I*"arm and the Insane Asy- 
huu, a jxisition which he has held for twelve 
years. He now has under his care ninety-five 
insane people and twenty-one paupers. The 
County Poor Farm comprises two hundred and 
forty acres of land, and. under the able supervis- 
ion of Mr. Davis, it is kept in a highly cultivated 
condition, and in appearance is always neat and 
thrifty. His own farm comprises one hundred 
and seventy acres, a tract for which he traded his 
first purchase of land in Walworth County. 

On the 1 2th of Decemljer, 1856, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Davis and Miss Mary E., 
daughter of John and Electa (Prudy) Mack, a 
native of the Empire State. Four children have 
been born to them. Emma Luella, the eldest, is 



now the wife of Frank Gage, of Richmond Town- 
ship, and has two children, Ina and Leona K. 
Edgar Monroe, a fanner of Richmond Township, 
married Mi.ss Helen Goodhue, and has two chil- 
dren, Roljert and Florence. Mabel Josejjhine is at 
home; and Frederick died at the age of eleven 
months. 

Socially, Mr. Davis is a meml)er of the Ancient 
Order of United Workmen. In politics, he is a 
Republican, and his fellow-townsmen, appreciat- 
ing his worth and ability, have frequently called 
upon him to sen'e in positions of public trust. 
While in Jefferson County he was Supervisor for 
two years. Assessor for two years, and also served 
as Town Clerk and Treasurer. In Richmond 
Township he has filled the office of Supervisor, 
discharging his duties in a prompt and faithful 
manner, and with a fidelity which characterizes 
his fulfilment of every trust reposed in him. 



F. lir:NR\ DODGE. M. D. 



[~ HENRY DODGI-:, M. I)., who is succe.ss- 
1^ fully engaged in the practice of medicine in 
I * Lake Mills, was born in New Bedford, Ma.ss. . 
on the iith of June. 1S28, and is a son of John 
and Mary (Winslow) Dodge. The father was 
born in France, and when a boy came to America 
on a whaler. He located fir.st in Salem, Mass., 
and afterward removed to New Bedford, where 
he engaged in the whaling business, following the 
.same for many years. During the greater portion 
of the time he was captain of a vessel, and did a 
successful whaling and .shi])ping business, becom- 
ing thereby a man of considerable means. His 
death occurred in New Bedford in 1854. His 
wife .survived him several years, passing away 
at the advanced age of seventy-nine. 

The Doctor was reareil in his native cit\ and 



ac(iuired a public-school education. When six- 
teen years of age he entered a drug store to learn 
the business, and was employed in that line of 
trade for a number of years. In 1850, he removed 
to Wiscon.sin, locating in Milwaukee, where for 
two years he ser\-ed as clerk in a wholesale drug 
house. On the expiration of that j-^riod he went 
to Watcrtown, where he opened a drug .store, car- 
rying it on in company with Dr. James Cody, a 
leading physician and surgeon of that place, the 
Ijusiness being conducted under the firm name of 
C(Kly & Dotlge. This partnership continued un- 
til 1855, when Dr. Dodge succeeded to the busi- 
ness, in which he was successfully engaged until 
1857, when he sold out. 

In 1854, the Doctor had begun tiie study of 
medicine under his partner, and when he had .sold 





^ 








< 



X 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



337 



out the drug store he returned to New Bedford, 
Mass., and purchased the store in which he had 
clerked during his boj'hood. For two years he 
was its owner, and then sold out, after which he 
entered the office of Dr. Charles L,. Spencer, a not- 
ed physician and surgeon, to resume his medical 
studies. In 1861, he entered the Harvard Medi- 
cal College of Boston, from which he was after- 
ward graduated, and then returned to Wisconsin, 
locating in Lake Mills in August, 1863. He has 
here carried on a successful practice since that 
time, his skill and ability being such as to win 
him the confidence of all. 

In 1850 was celebrated the marriage of Dr. 
Dodge and Amelia R. Abrams, a native of Nan- 
tucket, Mass., and a daughter of Cajit. Charles 



and Elizabeth (Paddock) Abrams, both of whom 
were natives of Massachusetts. The father was 
a sea-captain for many years. Four children were 
born to our subject and his wife: Carrie, wife of 
Judson C. Thorp, a resident of Beaver Dam, Wis. ; 
Emeline and Amelia, both deceased; and Frank. 
In politics the Doctor is a Republican, and so- 
cially is a member of the Odd Fellows' Society, 
with which he has been connected since 1852. He 
has pa.ssed through the chairs three different times, 
and is at present Conductor of Sagola Lodge No. 
27, I. O. O. F. He has been prominent and in- 
fluential in the affairs of Lake Mills and Jefferson 
County, and for a number of years has served as 
Health Officer of this place. 



MARTIN POLLARD. 



yyiARTlN POLLARD, one of the practical, 
Y progressive farmers of East Troy Township, 
(3 now living on section 2, is numbered among 
the honored pioneers of Walworth County of 
1838. This was some time before the admission 
of the State into the Union, and the county was a 
wild and undeveloped region, waiting for the 
early .settlers who would transform it into its 
present cultivated condition. Mr. Pollard has 
ever borne his part in the work of public improve- 
ment, and v^'ell deserves mention among the foun- 
ders of the county, to whom a debt of gratitude is 
due for what they have done in behalf of its wel- 
fare. 

Our subject is a native of the old Granite State, 
and the dateof his birth was May 20, 1813. His 
parents, Joseph and Martha (Martin) Pollard, 
were both natives of Massachusetts. The father, 
who was born in 1772, died in 1864, at the ad- 
vanced age of ninety-two years, and the mother 
passed away in 1825. After the death of his first 

17 



wife Mr. Pollard was again married, and removed 
to New York, where he spent his remaining days. 
Throughout his entire life he followed farming, 
and his well-directed efforts brought him a com- 
fortable property. In the family were seven 
children: Amos, Stillnian, Martin, Mrs. Hannah 
Crane, Mrs. Betsj' Chapin, Harriet and Mrs. 
Nancy Ro.ss. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
was a child of about twelve years at the time of 
his mother's death. Soon after he started out ni 
life for himself, and has since made his own way 
in the world. The success which he has achiev- 
ed is due entirely to his own efforts, and he may 
therefore truly be called a self-made man. He 
began working as a farm hand for $12 per month, 
and was thus employed in the East until twenty- 
five years of age, when he determined to seek a 
home and fortune in the West. The year 1838 
witnessed his arrival in the Territory of Wiscon- 
sin, and he purchased on section 2, East Troy 



33« 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Township, eighty acres or land. He also bouKht 1842, is now the wife of James Randall, a farnier 

forty acres across the line in Waukesha County. residing in Macon County, Mo.; Kleanor, horn 

I'or many years he lived ill true pioneer slyle.ex- March S, 1H45, is the wife of William Ran- 

peiieneing all the hard.ships and trials of frontier dall, a resident farmer of Waupaca County, Wi.s. 

life. I'lM.n his land not a furrow had Ikcu turn- They also have an adopted son, James Pollard, 

ed or an im])rovemenl made, hut with character- who was horn in August, 1.S37. and came to live 

islic energy he hegan its development, and soon with them at the age of seventeen months. Their 

transformed it into rich and fertile fields. Ik- kind and generous spirit prompted Ihem to give 

huilt a ])leasant residence, good hams and out- him a home and the tender care of parents, and 

huildings, and supplied all llie other acce.s.suries of when he was ready to .start out in life for himself 

a model farm. He now owns two hundred acres they gave him eighty acres of land. To their 

<»f rich land, and for many years successfully car- daughters they also gave g(K>d farms, 
ried on general farming. Mr. Pollard is now well advanced in years and 

( )ii the 9tli of July, 1840, Mr. Pollard was is living retired, having rented his fann to Arlluir 

united in marriage to Miss Rachel Powers, a Rogers. In ]M>lilics, he is a Repuhlican and has 

daughter of William anil Susan (Cooper) Powers, ser\'ed as School Director. SiKially, he is a 

nalivesof New Hampshire. In their family were memher of the Odd Fellows' Society. Throngh- 

the following children; Su.san; Selda; Rachel, who ont life he has made the Oolden Rule his motto. 



was horn January 24, i.Sio;()rin, deceased; Liddie: 
Oiin, tile seCDiul of that name; Cynthia; Asa; 
Roxaniia; Mary and Levi. Five of the luimher 
are now living. I'lito Mr. and Mrs. Pollanl have 
heeii l)orn two children. Martha, horn .\ugust 21, 



doing to others as lie would have llieiii to do to 
him. In his husine.ss dealings he has won suc- 
cess, and throughout an honorahle, upright ca- 
reer he has had the confidence and esteem of all 
with whom he has heeii hrought in contact. 



\ I. .MA\\r:c;oLD. 



Gl 1'. .MANNICGOIJ). who for some years 
/ 1 was a prominent lesideiil of Watertowii, 
I I Wis., was horn in .Saxony (now Prussia), 
on the 5tli of March, 1S17, ;iiul at the age of nine 
years had the misforliine to lose hoth of his i)ar- 
eiits. His father was a S»icond Lieutenant in the 
Prussian army, and the .son hecaine a cadet in 
the military school of Prussia, where he remained 
until fourteen \ears of age, when he was com- 
pelled to give uj) the profession of arms on account 
of having bnikeii his kg. He then secured the 
])osilion of cook on hoard the ship "Stalesmaii," 
hill, hreaking his arm, he was compelled to leave 
theshii), and so came to the United States. 



( )ii tile 24tli of ,Se]>teiiiher, i.'^47, .Mr. Mainie- 
gold l.-nided ,il Sliehoygan, Wis., and during that 
atituiiui worked as a I'arni hand. The next sjiring 
he learned the trades of milling, ]).'iinting and 
carpentering, carrying on the ^aine for two 
>ears, after which lime he left Wisconsin for 
the South. He then went to New Orleans, where 
he worked at his trade until cholera hecaine 
jirevalent in that region, when he returned to Ihe 
Norlli, and look up his residence in Indiana. 
There he engaged in the milling business, after 
which he went to Milan, Ohio. 

The i)ur])ose of this journey was his marriage 
with Miss Heiiiilli Roher. who came from Ger- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 



339 



many in 1850. After his marriage he removed 
to Syracuse, N. Y., where he engaged in the 
grocery business. In 1852 he went to Canada, 
where he operated a sawmill for several years, 
after which he returned to Ohio. Subsequently 
he made his home in Burlington, Iowa, but after 
a time, on account of ill-health, he returned to 
Europe with his family. For a brief time he re- 
mained in the Old Country, and then again came 
to the New World, locating in Chicago, where he 



carried on a hotel and restaurant. The year 
1864 witnessed his arrival in W'atertown, Wis., 
where he spent his remaining days, his death oc- 
curring on the 7th of October, 1891. 

Mrs. Mannegold still survives her husband. 
They were the parents of nine children, five of 
whom are yet living, namely: Mrs. H. Bertram, 
George, Emma, Annie and Mary. Clara is de- 
ceased, and three of the number died in infancy. 



DANIEL JONES. 



0ANIEL JONES, President of the Wisconsin 
National Bank of Watertown, and one of the 
substantial and progressive business men, is 
a native of Goffstown, N. H., born October 15, 
18 15. His parents were Philip and Hannah 
(Jacknian) Jones, natives of New Hampshire 
and Massachusetts, respectively. The family came 
originally from Wales, and was founded in Amer- 
ica by the great-grandfather of our .subject. The 
father, Philip Jones, was a merchant and maiui- 
facturer in early life, but later followed farming. 
He built the first woolen-mill in the Granite 
State, the same being erected at Goffstown. In 
1823 he removed to New York, and his last 
days were spent in Jefferson County, that State. 
There were six children in the family, but onlj' 
two are now living, Daniel, and Mrs. Lydia M. 
Beeman, of Watertown. 

The subject of this sketch was a youth of eight 
years when he went with the family to Jefferson 
County, N. Y. After a brief residence there, he 
removed to Oneida County, and in 1843, on the 
western tide of emigration, he drifted to Milwau- 
kee, Wis. In that city he embarked in merchan- 
dising, and for one year, in connection with a part- 
ner, was engaged in carrying on the American 
House. In October, 1845, he came to Jefferson 



County, taking up his residence in Watertown, 
where he again embarked in merchandising, 
which he successfully conducted for some j'ears. 
In 1852, he al.so added to his place of business a 
banking and exchange office. This was finally 
merged into the Jefferson County Bank, which 
was organized under his direction, and was large- 
ly controlled bj' him until 1863. In that year 
the bank discontinued busine.ss, and Mr. Jones 
identified himself with the Wisconsin National 
Bank, which was organized soon after. He also 
continued merchandising most of the time until 
1864, when he abandoned that enterprise, and 
turned his attention to the manufacture of woolen 
goods, being part owner of the woolen-mills of 
Watertown, which were operated several years 
under the firm name of S. Ford & Co., and 
afterwards under the firm name of D. Jones and Co. 
Business was carried on in that way until 1877, 
when Mr. Jones leased the mills to D. P. Price. 

Not less prominently has our subject been iden- 
tified with transportation facilities. The plank 
roads of the early day.s, and later the railroads, 
owe in a large measure their success and efficiency 
to his energy, enterprise and foresight. The con- 
fidence felt in his judgment and ability has 
found frequent expression among his friends and 



340 



I-nKTRAlT AND BlUGkArillCAL RECORD. 



nciRliliois, liv wlii.m 111 ii.i^ -.iveral times l)eeii ger, a native of Denmark, N. Y. Her death oc- 

clciltd Alderman and Cliairman (if the Hoard of curred on the nth of March. 1K90. Mr. Jones is 

SHjiervisors. He has also filleil other offices of now in his seventh-ninth year, but is yet hale, 

honor and trust. In 1S75 he organized the hearty and vigorous. He has been a valuable 

MandJiun County Hank of Warsaw, has been its citizen of W'alertown, and his works will stand as 

FresiSent from the l)eginning, and since that time a monument to his men)or>- for many years. He 

his atlention has Ijeen given almost entirely to has never aspired to office of any kind, except as 



his banking intere.sts. Hs is one of the oldest 
bankers in the State, and has lieen a very .suc- 
cessful busine.ss man. No check has ever l)een 
pre.sented to him that has not lieen i)romptly 
]inid. He has also been interested in nierchan- 



lie might promote the city's best interests, and he 
has seen the place grow from a small village to a 
thriving and progressive city. With the. lipisco- 
pal Church he holils memlx;rship. He aided in 
its organization, has been Senior Warden for 



(Using for many years, and is a wide-awake and about forty years, and has served as Tru.slec of 

]>rogressive man, who has the high regard of all. the funds and i)roperty of the Diocxjse of Milwau- 

Ou the 30th of ()ct(jbcr, 1S43, Mr. Jones was kee. 
united in marriage with Miss Klizabeth D. Har- 



W.XKRl-N ll.XKI POK'll-K. 



.\RK1-;N hart I'ORTIvR, attoruey-al- 
law, is recognized as one of the leading 
memliers of the Har of Jefferson, and is also 
one of its ]>rogre.ssive and valued citizens. A 
native of the lunpire Slate, he was born in Catta- 
raugus County on the 4lh of November, iS.^y. 
His parents were Ciarrett and Lucinda (Hart) 
I'orler, and both came of old New York families. 
His grandfathers were I.saac I'orter and ICldad 
I I:\rl, and both followed agricultural ]>ursuils. 
Tile father of our subject, accompanied by his 
family, left the State of his nativity in 1844, and 
emigrated westward to the Territory of Wiscon- 
sin. The following year he located upon a farm 
in Dane County, where he siK:nt liis reniaining 
days, engaged in agricultural ])ursuits. He pa.ssed 
away in April, 1X.S6, and was laid to rest by the 
side of his wife, who was called to the home be- 
yond in iSSo. Her death occurred at the age of 
seventy-five years, and the father died at the ad- 
vanced age of eighty-four years. A leading and 



inlluential citizen, he was (piite prominent in pub- 
lic affairs and took an active interest in every- 
thing pertaining to the welfare of the community. 

In the Porter family were five sons and one 
daughter. Warren H., whose name heads this 
record, grew lo manhood on the old home farm, 
and obtained a g(K)d education in the public 
schools. His advantages in that direction were 
als > supi)lemented by attendance at private 
.schools, and by one year's .study in tlie Stale 
University. When quite young, he determined to 
make the practice of law his life work, and at the 
age of twenty-three began reading to fit himself 
for his ch(j.sen ])rofe.ssion. In 1862 he was ad- 
milted to the Bar at Jefferson, and since that time 
has been actively engaged in practice. He is a 
man of deep research, of keen i)erceptive powers, 
and in argument is logical and convincing, clear 
and concise. 

In January, 1864, in York Township, Dane 
County, was celebrated the marriagt; (if Mr. for- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



3-Ji 



ter and Miss Catherine Montrose, a native of 
Michigan, and a daughter of Erasmus D. and 
Harriet E- (Starr) Montrose, both of whom were 
natives of New York. Their union has been 
blessed with a family of three sons and one daugh- 
ter. Clarence J., the eldest, is now managing 
salesman for the Indiana Iron Companj-, of Chi- 
cago; Frank H. is an expert machinist, and is in 
the employ of the Indiana Iron Company, of 
Muncie, Ind. ; Walter D. is a telegraph operator 
located in Cedarburg, Wis. ; and Alice Montrose 
is at home. 

Mr. Porter has served as City Attorney of Jef- 
ferson for manj' years, and is now discharging the 
duties of that office with credit to himself and sat- 



isfaction to his constituents. He has ser\-ed both 
as County Clerk and as Deput)-, filling the former 
office for six years, and has been a member of the 
County Board of Supervisors for several years. 
He is alwaj'S faithful to everj' trust reposed in 
him, and his public and private life are alike 
above reproach. He and his wife attend and hold 
membenship with the Episcopal Church. Mrs. 
Porter belongs to the Eadies' Guild, and is also 
a member of the Ladies' Aid Societj-. Socially, 
Mr. Porter is a Royal Arch Ma.son, and belongs 
to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to 
the Encampment. All who know him hold him 
in high esteem, and his .sterling worth and .strict 
integrity have gained him many warm friends. 



JOECKEL BROTHERS. 



30ECKEL BROTHERS, of Lake Mills, are 
dealers in clothing and gents' furnishing 
goods, and carry on a merchant-tailoring es- 
tablishment. The members of the firm are the 
four brothers, John, Henry L., Will F. and 
Charles A. They carry a stock valued at $8,000, 
and their business amounts to about $18,000 
annuallj". They al.so have an establi-shment, and 
do a good bu.siiie.ss, in Winterset, Iowa, the busi- 
ness there being managed by Henry L. and 
Charles A. Joeckel. The store at this place was 
originally established by the father, A. Joeckel, in 
June, 1S54, and for some years he did a thriving 
bu.sine.ss as a merchant-tailor, being the first in 
that line of trade in Lake Mills. The firm of 
Joeckel Bros, was formed and succeeded A. 
Joeckel & Son in 1887, bu.siness being conducted 
under the latter style from 18S4 until 1S87. 

William F. Joeckel was born in Lake Mills, 
August 3, 1863, and is a son of A. and Clara A. 
( Meek) Joeckel. He was reared and educated in 
his native city, and when nineteen years of age 



began merchant-tailoring in the establishment 
owned by his father. Hecontiinied as an employe 
until the firm of Joeckel Bros, was established. In 
1887, he was united in marriage with Miss Louise 
vSmith, a native of Lake Mills, and a daughter of 
Charles Smith. By their union have been born 
two children. May and Marguerite. The par- 
ents are members of the Moravian Church, and, 
in politics, Mr. Joeckel is a Republican. 

John Joeckel was born in Lake Mills, on the 
13th of May, 1858, and its public schools affiarded 
him his educational privileges. No event of 
special importance occurred during his boyhood 
and j-outh. At the age of sixteen he began work- 
ing at the tailor's trade in his father's store, serv- 
ing a regular three-years apprenticeship. He 
then worked at various places, and after speiKl- 
ing about a year in Iowa, returned to Lake Mills. 
Here he again engaged in business as a tailor for 
three years, after which he became a traveling 
salesman for a wholesale hou.se of Chicago, with 
which he continued his connection for two vears. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



On the expiration of that perio<l, he joined his fa- 
ther in l)usintss, uiidtr the firm name of A. Joeckel 
& Son, and since that time has continued in Lake 
Mills, with the excejUion of two years silent in 
Winlersct, Iowa, at the time tlie business was es- 
tablished there. He has ser\ed as a memljer of 
the \'illaj;e Hoard of Trustees for two years, and 
is a member of the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows. He was married on the rslh of June, 
1.S.S4, the lady of his choice being Miss ICnuna 
Bruns, a native of Lake Mills, and a dauRhter of 



John H. Bruns. Mr. and Mrs. Joeckel are the 
parents of one child, Carlton. They are mem- 
bers of the Moravian Church, and in politics he 
is a Republican. 

The firm of Joeckel Bros, is composed of enter- 
prising and i>rogressive business men, who (xr- 
cupy a prominent position in business circles in 
this locality. By good management and well-di- 
rected efforts they have built up a good trade, 
and the liberal patronage which they receive is 
well desen-ed. 



Ror)i:R'i^ iAR(;o. 



RolUvRT F.\R(".(). llie efficient and p()i)ular 
Cashier iif llic Bank of Lake Mills, and one of 
the oldest residents of this place, was burn in 
New London County, Conn., Augu.st 10, 1828, and 
is a sou of Isaac and Sarah (Rogers) Kargo, who 
were als<i natives of the Nutmeg State. By occu- 
pation the father was a farmer, and in 1831, ac- 
companied by his family, he emigrated to New 
York, locating in Genesee Count)-, where for a 
number of years he did a successful and prosper- 
ous business. His death occurred July 4, 1858, 
and his wife, who long survived him, passed 
away in 1887, at the advanced age of ninety- 
three. In the family were nine children, eight of 
whom are yet living. 

Robert Fargo, who is the sixth in order of 
birth, was only alxmt three years f)f age when his 
parents went to the lunpire Stale. He then lived 
on a farm in New York until sixteen years of 
age, during which time he acijuired a good iMig- 
'lish education in the couunon schools. He be- 
gan life for himself as a .salesman in a general 
store in Churchville, where he was employetl for 
two years. Later, he s]>ent one year in study in 
an academy in Wyoming, N. Y., and in the fall 



of 1S47 he emigrated westward to Wi.sconsin, 
taking up his residence in Lake Mills, where he 
began clerking in the .store owned by his two 
elder brothers. The succeeding three years of his 
life were thus i)asse<l, .and he then began the study 
of telegrai'hy. When he had mastered the same, 
he was made superintendent of the construction 
of a telegrajili line from Madison to Galena, a 
portion of his duty being to instruct and employ 
agents along that route. He was thus occupie<l 
for two years at various points along that line, 
when, his eyesight becoming impaired, he was 
obliged to abandon the bu.sine.ss, and in 1S51 re- 
turned to Lake Mills. Here he became a mend)er 
of the firm of Griswold M: l""argo, and estat)lished 
the foundry and machine-shops at this place. 
This indu,str>' became the largest manufacturing 
industry of the kind west of .Milwaukee, and was 
prcsecuted with most excellent success. Two 
years after its establishment, however, Mr. 
Fargo's health failed him, and he was obliged to 
retire. 

Our subject was married on the 30th of March, 
1S53, to Miss Ivllen Burdick, a native of Herki- 
mer County, N. Y., and unto them two children 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



343 



were born: Howell B., who is now Cashier of a 
bank in Deerfield; and Wallie, who died Novem- 
ber 7, 1867. The mother was called to her final 
rest January iS, 1S92. She was a highly es- 
teemed lad}' and her death was mourned by man}- 
friends. 

After retiring from the foundry business, Mr. 
Fargo engaged in clerking for a number of years, 
and in 1861 embarked in merchandising for him- 
self, carrying on an extensive and profsperous 
business for about fifteen j-ears. Since retiring 
from the mercantile trade, he has given his entire 
time and attention to looking after his extensive 
landed and financial interests. He from time 
to time purchased property until he became 
owner of a considerable amount. He was ex- 
tensively engaged in farming, and in 1893 h^ 
erected a large brick business block, 55x65 feet, 
and two stories in height, built in a modern .style 
of architecture. There he began the banking 
business, the bank at Lake Mills being incorpor- 
ated under the State laws, with a capital stock of 
$30,000. Mr. Fargo is now ably serving as its 
Cashier. The bank is an enterprise which was 
originated by him, he being instrumental in or- 
ganizing the stock company, and in making it a 
successful and thriving affair. He is one of 
the solid and substantial citizens of Jefferson 
Count}', and has done nnicli for the business in- 



terests of Lake Mills, being prominently and 
closel}' identified with its growth and prosperity. 
He does not count labor or expense when he is 
engaged in a work that will prove of public ben- 
efit. He devoted one entire summer to superin- 
tending the con.struction of the elegant school 
building, which was erected at a cost of $10,000. 
For many years he was coiniected with the School 
Board and did much to advance educational in- 
terests. He has also ser\'ed many times in offi- 
cial capacities. 

For many years Mr. Fargo was a prominent 
and active Republican, but now supports the Pro- 
hibition party, and at the earnest solicitation of 
friends became its candidate for the office of State 
Treasurer. He has, howe\-er, never sought po- 
litical preferment, desiring rather to give his en- 
tire time and attention to his business interests. 
He is an enthusia.stic supporter of, and generous 
contributor to, educational and church work, al- 
though not a member of an}' society. He is es- 
sentially a self-made man in every respect, for 
when he came to Lake Mills he had but twent}'- 
five cents. He accumulated a competency as a 
result of good judgment, careful management, 
earnest labor, and close application. He now has 
an elegant residence of modern construction, sup- 
plied with all conveniences and comforts, one of 
the most beautiful homes of Lake Mills. 



AUGUST TANCK 



61 UGUST TANCK, Notary Public and Con- 
1 I veyancer of Watertown, is a native of Ger- 
I I many, born in Holstein on the 22d of April, 
1833. His parents, August F. and Catherine 
(Bock) Tanck, are still living in that country, and 
the father is now retired. In the land of his 
birth our subject was reared, and in its public 
schools acquired his education. His early life 



was spent as a clerk in the custom hou.se of Hol- 
stein, where he was employed until he had at- 
tained his majority. He then determined to make 
his home in America, and in 1854 cros.sed the 
broad Atlantic, landing in New York City. He 
remained there for about two months, learned the 
cigar-maker's trade, and on the expiration of that 
time came to Wisconsin, locating in Watertown, 



.U4 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



where l»e was employed as a cigar-maker by 
Eniest Grossman, willi whom he coiilimied for 
:il>out two years. He then resolved to eiiKage in 
Inisincss for himself, and with tiie capital he had 
acqnired he purchased a stock of groceries antl 
iKgan operations along that line, continuing in 
the same for two years. 

.Mr. Tanck was married in 1857, the lady of 
his choice being Miss Rosa Schencrman, by whom 
he had five s<jnsand two daughters: August, who 
is now ser\ing as Clerk of the Circuit Court of 
JelTerson County: William, who occupies the po- 
sition of Postmaster of Lowell, Dodge County: 
Ered; Aniiel; Alex; Klizalx-th and Lydia. The 
niotlier of this faniil>- was called to her final rest 
in 1.S6.S, and in I)ecemi)er, 1869, .Mr. Tanck was 
joined in marriage with Margaret Schenerman. 

His fcUow-citi/ens, ajipreciating his worth and 
ability, have fre<|uently called u])on our subject lo 
serve in ]x)sitions of public tru.st. He was elected 
and served for two \cars as Citv Marshal, after 



which he fille<l the office of Deputy SheriflF of 
JefTersiju County for two years. He then retired 
from ]>ublic life, and began the manufacture of ci- 
gars, to which business he devote<l his energies 
initil the close of the war. He next opened an 
office as Notary Public, and at different periods 
has served as City Asse.s.sor and City Clerk. In 
1887 he was elected County Treasurer of Jeffer- 
son County, and with promjituess and fidelity 
di.scharged the duties of that office for one term. 
He is at present Inspector of Illuminating Oils. 
He was Alderman from the Fifth Ward for two 
years, and for a long period has been i)roniinently 
identified with the political interests of Jefferson 
County. ICver>- trust rejMised in him is faithfully 
fulfilled, and his fidelity to duty in public office 
has won him high commendation. He is a lead- 
ing and influential citi/en, who supjiorts the be.st 
interests of the connuunity, and in the liistory of 
his adopted county he well deserves a place. 



Cl-ORC^K II lUU'XS. 



glCORGK H. HRUNS, a dealer in hardware in 
Lake Mills, has Ik'cu engaged in btisiness 
along this line since 1880, and is now at the 
head of one of the oldest stores of the i)lace. His 
father, John II. Urnns, established the Inisincss 
about forty years ago, being a jiioneer hardware 
merchant of this jilace. He was a n;itive of 
Schleswig, Germany, and when a young man 
emigrated to the I'nited States. I-'or a numl>er of 
years he engaged in teaming from Milwaukee to 
various jioints throughout Wisconsin, and having 
in this way secured some capital, he embarked in 
tlie hanlware business in Watertown, from which 
I'lace lie came to Lake Mills. He was one of its 
substaiiti.'il business men for alnnit ten years, or 
up to the time of his death, which ucciirreil in 



1864. He posscsseil excellent business and ex- 
ecutive ability, and accumulated a most comft>rta- 
blc coiiii)ctence. 

George II. Hruns, whose name heads this rec- 
ord, was Ijorii in Lake Mills, on the loth of Feb- 
ruary, 1858. His mother, limily Hruns, was 
also a native of Germany, and died in this place 
in June, 1886, having survived her husband for 
Iweuty-two years. Our subject was reared to 
manh(K)d under the parental roof, and acquired 
his education in the public schools of his native 
town. When lie started out in life for himself 
he began to earn his living by clerking for the 
firm of Fargo & Ostraiider, with which he re- 
mained for about a year, when he i>urcliased his 
present Iianlwait business. He carries a stock 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



345 



valued at about $7,000, and his annual sales 
amount to $25,000. By fair and honest dealing, 
courteous treatment, and an earnest desire to 
please his customers, he has won a liberal patron- 
age, and his business has constantly increased. 

Mr. Bruns was imited in marriage on the 1 5th 
of September, 1887, to Miss Isabella A. Copeland, 
a native of Jefferson Count}'. Two children grace 
this union, a son and daughter, Donald and Do- 



rothy. In his political views, Mr. Bruns is a Re- 
publican. Socially, he is connected with the 
Odd Fellows' society, and belongs to the Mora- 
vian Church. He is a worthy representative of 
one of the old families of this community, and is 
a valued aiid highly respected citizen, who well 
deserves representation in the history of his na- 
tive county. 



L. B. COOPER. 



I B. COOPER, one of the early pioneers of 
I C Jeffer.son Count}-, who is now living a re- 
r^j tired life in Lake Mills, is a native of the 
Empire State. He was born in Oswego, on the 
I St of April, 1818, and is a son of Chauncey 
and Annie (Candee) Cooper, who claimed Con- 
necticut as the state of their nativity. The father 
was a cabinet-maker bj' trade, and followed that 
calling for a number of j-ears. In 1S27, the family 
took up their residence near Syracu.se, N. Y., 
where Chauncey Cooper and his wife spent their 
remaining days. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
was a lad of only nine summers when, with the 
family, he settled in Pompej-, N. Y. , where he grew 
to manhood. The common schools afforded him 
his educational privileges. He worked on a farm 
until twenty years of age, when he became fore- 
man of construction on the widening of the Erie 
Canal. He was thus employed for about five 
years. In 1840, he emigrated to the Territorj' of 
Wisconsin, locating in A.shland, Jefferson County, 
in the autumn of that year. He there opened a 
general store, the first of any importance in the 
place, and the postoffice was also located in his 
store, James Payne being Postmaster at the time. 
The country was new and undeveloped, Indians 
frequently visited the neighborhood, and their 



trade became quite valuable to Mr. Cooper, as 
the}- came from many miles awa}' to patronize 
him, for he was very popular with them, and did 
not try to take advantage of them. He carried 
on his store in Ashland for about three years, 
after which he erected a building in Lake Mills, 
and removed his stock to this place in the spring 
of 1844. About two years later Mr. Cooper sold 
out and removed to a farm fi\'e miles west of 
Lake Mills. He there had eighty acres of new 
land, upon which not a furrow had been turned 
or an improvement made, but with characteristic 
energ5' he began its development, and soon 
transformed it into rich and fertile fields. He 
lived thereon for many years, and became a 
prosperous farmer. He extended the boundaries 
of the place until it comprised four hundred and 
forty acres of rich land, which yielded him a 
golden tribute in return for the care and cultiva- 
tion he bestowed upon it. He still owns three 
hundred and twenty acres, which he now rents. 
Ou the 7th of May, 1846, a marriage ceremony 
was performed which united tlie de.stinies of Mr. 
Cooper and Miss Phcebe Salts, who was born in 
New Lebanon, N. Y., and is a daughter of 
Benjamin and Katie (Barnuni) Salts, the former 
a native of New York, and the latter of Danburj-, 
Conn. The Salts family came to Jefferson 



346 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



County during its pioneer days, and located on a 
fann one mile north of Lake Mills in i»43. 
There the jiarents sjK-iit tluir rcniaiiiiiiK <la> s, and 
Mr. Sall.s Ijccanic a prosiK-rous and well-known 
fanner. To Mr. and Mrs. Cooper have lH.en 
Ixjrn seven children: Ivtta and Ivliza. now de- 
ceaswl; Julius C, iMhnund S. , Ivlla L. and Lotta 
Inez and Lotta Irene, twins. 

In his jHtlitioal views, Mr. C<><»per was origi- 
n:dl\ a W'hij;, and his first presidential vote was 



ca.st for William Henr>- Harrison. On the organ- 
ization of the Republican party he joined its 
ranks, and has since fought under its banner. 
About fifteen years ago he retired from farm life 
and ])urcha.sed a comfortable residence in I.ake 
Mills, where he exix^cls to sju'iid the remainder 
of his days in (juiet and retirement, enjoying the 
rest which he has so truly earned and richly de- 
serves. 



ANDRI'.W W. ARWOOD. 



GlXI)Ki:\V \V. ARWOOD, who devotes his 
I 1 lime and attention to general farming and 
I 1 stock-raising, resides on section _^i. La 
{'■range Township. He claims Norwa\' as his na- 
tive land, for he was born near Holdeii, in that 
countr>-, Augu.st 25, i,S4i. In the family of tliree 
children born to John and Christie Arwood, he 
was the second in order of birth, his brother 
Harvey being the eldest, while the youngest is 
Mrs. Mar\- Peterson, a resident of Wrinillinn, 
vS. Dak. 

Andrew Arwood s])enl the first five years of 
his life in Norway, and in \X^C^ came with his 
j)arents to America. They crossed the Atlantic 
in a sailing-ve.s.sel to New York Cit.\', ami Uicnce 
came to Walworth Connt\-, Wis., the faniih' 
settling in Wliilewater Township. Our subject 
is truly a self-made man. He began to earn his 
own livelihood when oidy six years of age, work- 
ing on a farm for his board and clothes. He was 
thus employed for about five years, when he be 
gan to work for S2 a month, receiving the same 
from Mr. McDougall, with whom he remained for 
two seasons. He continued to ser\'e as a fann 
hand until the breaking out of the late war, when, 
in A])ril, 1.S61, he resi)oiidcd t(j the country's call 
for troops, enlisting as a member of Company A, 



Fourth Wisconsin Infantr>\ However, he never 
went to the front with that compan\', and on the 
2ist of August, 1862, he became a member of 
Com]iauy E, Twenty-eighth Regiment of Wis- 
consin \'olunteers. He was mustered into 
service at Milwaukee, and the first active engage- 
ment in which he ])arlicipatcd was at Columbus, 
K\-. This was followed by tlie battles of Ikkna, 
and I, ink- Rock, Ark., and many engagements 
of lesser imi)ortance, and his active service was 
close<l by the i)altle of ,S])anish Fort, near Mobile. 
He was mustered out with the rank of Coqioral, 
and received an honorable discharge from the 
.service on the ijlh of Sei)tember. i.S^s. He 
was a valiant i<oldier, always found at his post of 
duty, and the conntrv found in him an able 
defender. 

When llie war was <)\er, Mr. Arwood re- 
turned to La Orange Township, and for two 
years rented the farm on which he now resides. 
He tlien purchased it, and is the owner of one 
hundred and nine acres of rich jirairie land, to the 
cultivalion of which he devotes his time and at- 
tention. He also carries on .stock-raising with 
good success, and his industry, enteri>rise and 
])er.severance have brought him a comfortable 
competence. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



347 



On the 3d of September, 1862, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Arwood and Miss Prudence 
Loonier. To tliem have been born three sons and 
two daughters, namel}-: Warren, at home; Flora, 
who is engaged in teaching school; and Ruth, 
who is attending the Normal School of White- 
water. 

Mr. Arwood is largely- a .self-educated man. 
He had no advantages in j'outh, save what he 
could obtain from the district schools in a verj- 
short attendance thereon in the winter season. 
He therefore resolved that his children should 



have good opportunities, and they are now well- 
educated young people. In politics, Mr. Arwood 
is a Republican, and has held .some local offices. 
Socially, he is a member of the Ancient Order of 
United Workmen, and in religious belief is a 
Methodi.st. His life has been a bu.sy and useful 
one, well and worthilj' .spent, and his example is 
one deserving emulation. Without the aid of 
capital or influential friends, he has steadily 
worked his waj' upward, and now occupies a 
prominent place among the substantial and high- 
ly respected citizens of the community. 



EDWARD MUELLER. 



DWARD MUELLER, the genial and pleas- 
^ ant proprietor of the Jefferson House, was 
^ born in Jefferson on the 6th of June, 1859, 
and is a son of John Martin and Elizabeth Barbara 
(Meyer) Mueller, both of whom were natives of 
Bavaria, German}'. The paternal grandfather, 
Christopher Mueller, was a farmer in his native 
land, and the father was a contractor and builder, 
but after crossing the briu}- deep he engaged in 
keeping a hotel, and for some time was proprietor 
of the Wi.scon.sin House, of Jeffer.son. His death 
occurred on the 28th of November, 1881, and he 
was buried by the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows, and the ArbeiterVerein of Jeffer.son, he 
having been an active and prominent member of 
those societies for many years. In religious be- 
lief he was a Lutheran, and took an active part in 
church and benevolent work. Both he and his 
wife were buried in the Lutheran Cemeteiy of 
Jeffer.son Town.ship. Mr. Mueller was an active 
and progressive citizen, who manifested a com- 
mendable interest in ev^erything pertaining to the 
welfare of the comnuniity. He .sen-edas a mem- 
ber of the City Council on different occasions, 
and was a member of the School Board for many 



j'ears. The best interests of the community 
always found in him a friend, and his support and 
co-operation were never withheld from any enter- 
prise calculated to prove of benefit to the com- 
munity. In the Mueller famil)- were five chil- 
dren, four sons and a daughter, namely: Nan- 
netta, who is now the wife of John M. Friedl, a 
resident of Jefferson; Fred William, who makes 
his home in South Bend, Ind.; Charles J. H., of 
Jeffer.son; Edward of this sketch; and William 
A. A., who is also living in South Bend, Ind. 
The maternal grandfather of our subject, John 
Meyer, came to the New World in 1847, i" the 
same year in which the Muellers crossed the 
Atlantic, and also lived in Jefferson Comity until 
his death. Both he and his wife were members 
of the Lutheran Church, and were buried in the 
Lntheran cemetery. 

We now take up the personal history of Ed- 
ward Mueller, who throughout his entire life 
has been connected with the hotel bu.siness in 
this city. He was reared in a hotel, and since 
attaining to man's estate has earned his liveli- 
hood by carrying on business along this line. 
No event of special importance occurred during 



348 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



his boyhood and youth. Having attained to ma- 
ture years, he wa.s niarrietl, the lady of his choice 
liciuK Mi^is r.da Kis]KTt, a daughtcT of Adam 
KispiTl, a native of IJavaria, (ierinany. Two 
chihlren have liecn Ikidi to Mr. and .Mrs. Muel- 
ler, a son and daughter, Edward Philip and 
Ruth Emma. 

Our subject is a charter member of the Har- 
monia Club, and is an active and i)roMiinent mem- 
ber k( the ()<ld I'\ll(i\vs' Societ>-. He also attends 
the Lutheran Clnirch. with which his wife holds 



membership. He has sen'ed his townsmen as a 
mendjerofthe Council, and has ever faithfully 
discharged his duties of citizenship. He has 
spent his entire life in this locality, has witnes.sed 
almost its entire growth and develojjment, and 
Well deserves mention among its early settlers. 
He is a pleasant and genial landlord, who makes 
friends of all with whom he comes in contact, 
and therefore the Jefferson House, which is a 
favorite resort with the traveling public, receives 
a liberal and well-deser\"ed patronage. 



EDWARD RACEK. 



["DW AKl) KAC1':K, of the firm of Racek & 
1^ Jones, merchants of Watertown, was born in 
^_ Au.stria, in 1843, and is a .son of Theodore 
and Catherine (Maras) Racek, both of whom 
were natives of Bohemia. In 1848, accompanied 
by their family, they emigrate<l to the United 
States, locating first in Milwaukee, but after two 
weeks they hiretl teams to bring them to Water- 
town. Here the father purchased a summer re- 
sort, at a park which is now about a-half mile 
from the center of the city. He carrietl this on 
until the property in that locality was boomed, 
when he sold it at quite an advanced jirice. 
He then began speculating in real estate, and in 
this way lost much of what he had made. After- 
ward, however, he engaged in gardening, and in 
other lines of business. Thus he retrieved nuich 
of his lost possessions, and became quite well-to- 
do. His death occurred in 1S76. His wife and 
two children still survive him, the latter being 
Mary, widow of Henry Maldaner, and Ivdward. 

The subject of this sketch was a child of onlj- 
five years when, with his parents, he crossed the 
Atlantic to America. Here he attended the com- 
mon .schools, and took a business course in Bryant 
& Stratton's Commercial College of Milwaukee. 



He was afterwards graduated from a business 
college in Toronto, Canada, and when his educa- 
tion was completed he accepted the position of 
Teller in the Wisconsin National Bank. ser\ing 
in that capacity for about three years. After 
this he purchased an interest in the pnxluce busi- 
ness, and, in connection with his brother, car- 
ried on ojjerations along that line for two years, 
when he sold out, and bought a half-interest in 
the .store owned by Jesse Moulton, the firm being 
Moulton & Racek. At length Mr. Racek bought 
out his partner's interest, and was alone in busi- 
ness for a time, but afterward associated with 
him Robert Jones, who had formerly been a clerk 
in his employ, the firm bwcoming Racek & Jones. 
The\' own the fine store which was l)uilt l)y our 
subject's father, carry a large stock of goods, and 
are doing a thriving and constantly increasing 
business. 

Mr. Racek was married in 1876, the lady of his 
choice l)eing Miss Gertrude W. Gallup. Three 
children were born of their union; Helen, Edward 
and Harrod. In politics, Mr. Racek is a Demo- 
crat, and sen'ed as a mend)er of the City Council 
for seven years, proving an efficient officer. In 
1880 he was elected Senior Alderman, and in the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



349 



spring of 1893 he declined to become a candidate 
for Councilman, and made an independent race 
for Mayor, being beaten by only seventy-eight 
votes. He has always been in favor of public im- 
provements, and has been instrumental in secur- 



ing a nuhiber for Watertown. He belongs to the 
Masonic fraternity, and is one of the enterprising 
and progressive citizens of this place, in which 
he has a host of warm and admiring friends. 



PHILLIP H. MOORE. 



QHILLIP H. MOORE, a horse-breeder on the 
L/^ Lake Geneva Stock Farm, is inimbered 
f^ among Walworth County's native sons. He 
was born April i, 1845, and is the only survivor 
in a family of six children who.se parents were 
Jabi.sh H. and Susan (Davis) Moore, who were 
natives of New York In 1836 the father be- 
came one of the pioneers of this county, locating 
on Big Foot Prairie, where he purcha.sed from the 
Government a farm of three hundred and sixty 
acres. This he greatly improved, continuing its 
cultivation until about i860, when he bought a 
farm in Illinois. After a j'ear, howe\-er, he re- 
turned to Geneva Town.ship, and for a time was 
engaged in merchandising in connection with his 
son in Lake Geneva. Here he and his estimable 
wife still make their home, the former being now 
seventy-four years of age, while the latter has 
reached the age of seventy-two. Mr. Moore was 
among the first to respond to the country's call 
for troops during the Civil War. He joined Tay- 
lor's Battery of Company B, Illinois Light Ar- 
tillery, and after the battle of Ft. Donelson was 
transferred to Companx' I, Second Regiment of 
Illinois Li.ght Artillery. At the same time he was 
made First Lieutenant, placed in charge of the 
batter}-, and served as commander of the compa- 
ny during the remainder of the war. He partici- 
pated in probably a hundred battles and skir- 
mishes, and was twice slightly wounded. At the 
battle of Ft. Donel.son he was in a squad of six- 
teen, and all were killed with the exception of 



liuu-self and one comrade. The Union cau.se had 
no more valiant defender than Mr. Moore. 

We do not know the early hi.story of the Moore 
family, but it was probably founded in America 
during early Colonial days. The grandfather, 
Harry Moore, was a native of New York, and in 
1836 emigrated to the Territory of Wisconsin. 
Two years later he lost his life at the head of 
Geneva Lake. He was chopping down a tree, 
when a limb fell upon him, causing his death. 

Phillip H. Moore remained in the county of his 
nativity until 1864, and then went to California, 
spending four years on the Pacific Slope, engaged 
in mining and milling. He .spent one year with 
his father in the army, although he was not an 
enlisted .soldier, being at the time only sixteen 
years of age. In 1868 he returned to Lake Gen- 
eva and embarked in general merchandising, 
which he carried on successfully for eighteen 
years, building up an excellent trade, which yield- 
ed to him a good income. On the expiration of 
that period he began raising horses, and has made 
a specialty of the breeding of Hambletonian and 
German Coach horses. He now has about forty 
head on his two farms. His stock farm in Linn 
and Bloomfield Townships comprises two hun- 
dred and eighty acres. He also has a farm in 
Rock County, and three in South Dakota. 

In 1869 Mr. Moore married Miss Jennie Barr, 
daughter of John and Anna (Haywood) Barr, the 
former a native of Scotland, and the latter of 
England. In 1843 they became residents of 



35° 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Geneva. One child prace.s the iiiiion of our .sub- 
ject and his wife, Edith. Mrs. Mcxtre is a niem- 
iK-r of the r.piscopal Churcli. In his political 
views, Mr. Mtxjrc is a Democrat. He owns a 
fine home property in Lake Geneva, and this, in 
connection with his extensive hnsine.ss interests, 
makes him one of tlic snhslanlial citizens of Wal- 



worth County. He po.s.sesses excellent business 
and executive ability, and his well directed ef- 
forts and careful attention to all details have 
brought him a handsome comj)etence. For al- 
mo.st half a century he has been a resident of 
Walworth County, and is therefore nnml>ered 
among its honored pioneers. 



C1IAKIJ:S II. C RA.Ml'R. 



Ell.XRLKS H. CR.\.MI;R. of Lake Mills, is 
llic senior nainher of llie firm of Cramer & 
iliulicock, dealers in pumps and windmills, 
and rep.iirers of engines. This ])artnersliip has 
continued since March, 18.S5, but the l)usine.ss 
was established in 1878, by the firm of Fargo & 
Cramer. A year later Mr. F'argo withdrew, but 
Mr. Cramer has contiiuied his connection with 
the enterjirise from the beginning up to the pres- 
ent time. 

t)ur subject is a native of Naples, Ontario 
County, N. V., born March 26, 1843. His par- 
ents, Henry and Rebecca (Pierce) Cramer, were 
also natives of New York, the former born in 
Herkimer County, and the latter in Ontario 
County. The father was a blacksmitli by trade, 
and followed that business in early life, but in 
1S58 emigrated to Wisconsin, and turned his at- 
tention to agricultural ])ursuits. He located first 
in Lowell, Dodge County, and about ten years 
later came to Lake Mills, where he lived until his 
death, which iK-curred on the 5th of I)eceml)cr, 
1890. His wife still sur\-ives him. They were 
well-known people of this connnunity.andhad the 
high res])ect t)f all with whom they came in con- 
tact. 

Charles H. Cramer was a youth of fifteen years 
when, with his parents, he came to Wisconsin. 
Here he aided his father in the cultivation of the 
home farm, and l)ecame familiar with the arduous 



task of developing new land. In 1S65 he re- 
moved to .Miyne.sola, where he carrie<l on agricul- 
tural pursuits for four years. On the expiration 
of that period he returned to Lake Mills, and 
since 1869 has here made his home. 

An important event in the life of Mr. Cramer 
occurred on the 4th of July, 1863, when was 
celebrated his marriage with Miss Amanda Mil- 
ler, a native of Herkimer County, N. Y. Four 
children have been iiorn of their union: Ivlma, 
Harry, Kdgar and Willie. The last-named is 
now decea.sed. Mr. Cramer takes considerable 
interest in civic societies, and is a member of the 
Modern Woodmen of America and the Odd Fel- 
lows' lodge, in which he has filled all the offices. 
He exercises his right of franchise in support of 
the men and measures of the Re]iublicaii partv. 

Arthurs. Hitchcock, the junior member of the 
finn, was born in Lake Mills on the 22d of May, 
1851, and is a .son of .Silas and Louisa (Parker) 
Hitchcock. He acquired his e<lucatiou in the 
public .schools of the community, was reared to 
manhood un<ler the jiarental rtM)f and has here 
spent his entire life. His early years were pa.ssed 
on the farm, and at the age of seventeen he re- 
moved with the family to the village, where he 
attended school for a few j-ears. He afterward 
learned the mnchini.st's trade, and for eight years 
was em])loyed in that line of business by the Lake 
Mills Agricultural Company. Subsequentl\ he 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



351 



turned his attention to farming, which he followed 
for five )ears, when he joined Mr. Cramer in 
business under the firm name of Cramer & Hitch- 
cock. 

Mr. Hitchcock was married on the 26th of 
February, 1874, to Mi.ss Ida Buchanan, a native 
of New Scotland, Albany County, N. Y., and 
they have a daughter, Maud. Mr. Hitchcock 
is a stalwart Republican in his political views. 



He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America 
and to the Odd Fellows' Society, and has passed 
all the chairs in the latter, while at this writing 
he is serving as District Deputy Grand Master. 
The members of the firm of Cramer & Hitchcock 
are wide-awake and enterprising business men, 
and are now at the head of one of the leading and 
.successful industries of Lake Mills. 



HERBERT EUGENE HASKINS. 



HERBERT EUGENE HASKINS, President 
and Treasurer of the Weeks Gas Engine 
Company, and one of the progre.ssive and 
enterprising citizens of Lake Geneva, was here 
born on the 27th of October, 1869, and is a son of 
John and Olivia (Vo.se) Haskins, the former a 
native of Massachusetts, and the latter of New 
York City. They became the parents of four 
children, but only two are now living, Mary 
Olivia and our subject. The father was a manu. 
facturer in the East. The year 1840 witnessed 
his emigration to the Territory of Wisconsin, and 
saw him located in Lake Geneva. In partnership 
with his brother James he purchased one hun- 
dred and .sixty acres of land, upon which a part of 
the city now stands, improved a water power and 
built a sawmill. The Ha.skins brothers contin- 
ued the operation of this mill until 1875, when 
they sold their land to a stock company, and be- 
came leading stockholders in the Geneva Lake 
Crawford Manufacturing Company, formed for 
the maiuifacture of agricultural implements. 
Business was carried on under that name until 
1882, when John Haskins became sole proprietor, 
and continued the operation of the manufactory 
alone until 1885, when he associated with him 
Edward Cheney. Business was then carried on 
under the firm name of Haskins & Co. , and tlie 



connectioti was continued until the death of the 
.senior partner, which occurred November 29, 
1887, at the age of seventy-six years. His wife, 
who held membership with the Presbyterian 
Church, pa.ssed away in 1876. 

On both sides our subject came of old New 
England families, which were founded in America 
at an early day. He was reared in his native 
city, and in its public schools acquired his educa- 
tion. For some years he worked in his father's 
factory, and upon his father's death succeeded to 
the business, and continued in the manufacture of 
agricultural implements until 1894, when he be- 
came President and Treasurer of the Weeks Gas 
Engine Company, formed for the manufacture of 
gas and gasoline engines. This industry is a new 
one, but enterprising men are connected with it, 
and it will no doubt prove a succe.ssful venture. 

Mr. Haskins was married on the 6th of Febru- 
ary, 1890, the lady of his choice being Miss Mae 
Stover, a daughter of Joseph and Su.san (Matts) 
Stover, both of whom were natives of Pennsyl- 
vania. Two children have been born to our sub- 
ject and his wife: Herbert Leroy, who died at the 
age of nine months; and John Earl. 

Mr. Haskins takes consideralile interest in civic 
societies, and holds membership with the Masonic 
fraternity, the Knights of Pythias lodge, and the 



352 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Modern WimkIiirii of AiiR-rica. His wife belongs time and attention to his bnsines-s interests. He 

to the Kutlieran Church. In his ixililical views, is a young man of excellent business and execn- 

he is a Democrat, but has never sought or de- tive ability, is sagacious and far-sighted, and by 

sired ]iublic office, i>referring to devote his entire his well-directed efforts he is winning .success. 



in'ROX S. PALMRR. 



gNRoN S. 1'AI,MI;R, who is engaged in ag- 
ricultural pursuits ill Walworth County, his 
farm being hx'ated on section 28, I.iini Town- 
ship, claims New York as the State of his nativity. 
his birth having occurred in Columbia County 
on the 13th of February. iSs2. His parents were 
Robert G. and Mary (Schennnerhorn ) Palmer, 
botii natives of the lunpire State. The father 
was born in Alban\- County. September 27, 1H23. 
and was one of nine children born uiiloJose])h G. 
and I'oliy (Palmer) Palmer. During his boy- 
hood he accompanied his parents on their re- 
moval to Columbia County, and was there united 
in marriage with Mi.ss Schemmcrhoni, a native 
of that comity. She belonged to one of the old 
families of New York, and her grandfather. Judge 
Schennnerhorn, was one of the ])roniinent and 
highly res])ected citizens of that Slate during its 
early development. The paternal grandfather of 
our subject was lx)rn in Dutchess County, N. V., 
April 28, 1794, and was a .soldier of the War of 
1812. In 1833 he emigrated westw;ird, and lo- 
cated in Walworth County, Wis., where hisdeath 
(Kxuried in January, 1867, at the age of .seventy- 
four years. His father was Ijorii in eastern Con- 
necticut, November 1 1, 1768, but spent the greater 
part of his life in Dutchess County, N. Y., where 
he settletl at an earl\- day. His death there oc- 
curred in 1799. His wife, who bore the maiden 
name of Mary Gillette, also belonged to an early 
Connecticut family. The Palmer family is of 
linglish origin, but not long after this country 
was opened up to civilization its representatives 
came to the New World. 



Rol)ert Palmer, father of our subject, continued 
to carry on farming in the Hast until May, 1853, 
when, with the desire to better his financial con- 
dition, he .sought a home in the Mi.ssissippi \'al- 
ley, and became a farmer of Geneva Township, 
Walworth County. Purchasing land, he devoted 
his lime and attention to its further cultivation 
and improvement until his death, which occurred 
Vay 5, 1S94, at the age of seventy >ears. His 
wife pas.sed away in 1880. In their family were 
six sons, four of wlioin are \et living, namely: 
Hyron S. : Arthur and hiiigeiie, who are living 
in Geneva Township: and Jo.seph. a real estate 
dealer of Minneapolis, Minn. 

It was during the infancy of Hyron S. Palmer 
that his parents came to the West. He attended 
the .schools of Geneva Township in his Ixjyhood, 
and when twe!it\- years of age .started out in life 
for himself, being first employed as a farm hand 
by the month. In 1874 he was united in mar- 
riage with Mi.ss Climena Alexander, daughter of 
Halthasar and Juliet (Fuller) Alexander. Four 
children have been born of their union, Walter 
A., Clarence, Hertie and licssie. and the family 
circle \et remains unbroken. 

In 1876 Mr. Palmer purcha.sed a farm in Ge- 
neva Township, on which he lived for five years, 
and on .selling that tract he bought the fine farm 
in Linn Township upon which he now makes his 
home. It comjiri.ses one hundred and eighty 
acres of rich ami arable land, and in connection 
with general farming he is engaged in the dairy 
business and in stock-raising. In 181)3 be erected 
a fine residence upon his j)lace, and is now build- 




j. I*. l'()TTi:K 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



355 



ing a large barn,' which will meet all the require- 
ments of his business. The other improvements 
upon the place are in keeping with those men- 
tioned, and everything is neat and thrifty in ap- 
pearance, giving evidence of the careful supervis- 
ion of the owner. 

Mr. Palmer is one of the enterprising and pro- 
gressive citizens of Walworth County. For some 
nine }'ears he served as Clerk of the School Board, 



and did effective service in the interest of educa- 
tion. He is now a member of the Town.ship 
Board of Supervisors, and proves an efficient and 
capable officer. Mr. Palmer is a man of excellent 
bu.siness ability, and his judicious management 
and well-directed efforts have brought him a well- 
merited success. His well spent life has also won 
for him high regard, and he is numbered among 
the valued citizens of the community. 



JOHN F. POTTER. 



nOHN F. POTTER, who is now living retired . 

I on his farm on .section 1 1 , East Troy Town.ship, 
(2/ Walworth County, is well known through- 
out the country', especially to the statesmen, and 
to those who were prominently connected with 
and interested in the affairs preceding and during 
the Civil War. At that time he occupied a seat 
in Congress, and hi.'* loyalty and fearlessness were 
made manifest. This work would be incomplete 
without the record of his life. He was born May 
II, 1S17, in Augusta, Me., and is a son of John 
and Caroline (Fox) Potter. The father was born 
in New Hampshire, April 7, 1787, and in 1806 
was graduated from Dartmouth College. Having 
been admitted to the Bar, he located in Augusta, 
Me., in 1810, and there engaged in the practice of 
law until his death, which occurred in 1864. He 
was married in Portland, Me., June 16, 1812, to 
Caroline Fox, who was born in Portland, June 
15, 1789, and was a daughter of John Fox. Her 
death occurred in Augusta, on the 14th of Sep- 
tember, 1872. The paternal grandfather of our 
subject was the first established mini.ster of Leb- 
anon, N. H., and served as a Chaplain during 
the Revolutionary War. The day before one bat- 
tle occurred he was called upon to pray, but ere 
his prayer was finished shots were being fired all 

18 



around him. He was brave enough, however, 
to stand his ground and finish his petition. The 
same fearlessness was manifested by his grand.son 
in later years. 

When John Potter began the practice of law he 
was in very limited circunustances, but his quick 
and keen perception and his logical mind made 
him an able advocate and won him a liberal pat- 
ronage. In his profes.sion he acquired a handsome 
income and became well-to-do. In his family 
were nine children, and all attended his funeral. 
At this writing six are living: Caroline, born 
April 2, 1813; Sarah, May 28, 1S15; John F. ; 
Barrett E. and Daniel F. (twins), February ^4, 
1819; Charles F., January 29, 1821; George F., 
February 14, 1822; Mary B., August 20, 1825; 
and Annie A., November 28, 1827. Daniel is 
now decea.sed; George died January 17, 1893; 
and Charles died March 5, 1867. 

When a young man of nineteen years, John F. 
Potter came to the West, and two years later set- 
tled upon a claim in Walworth Countj'. When 
the land came into market he purchased it from 
the Government, and has since made his home 
thereon. His life occupation has been that of 
farming, and he is now the owner of four hun- 
dred acres of valuable land, under a high .state of 



356 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 



cultivation, l^pon the place arc excellent im- 
prcnx-nicnts, anil the honic, standing; somewhat 
hack from the puhlic liinhway, aflbrds him the 
quiet ami retirement which it is now his pleasure 
to enjoy. He was married October 15, 1839,10 
Frances K. L. Fox, daujjhter of Capt. George 
F'ox, a shipma.ster, who served in the War of 1812, 
and was taken pris(jncr by the British. Subse- 
([uently he came to his .son-in-law, with whom he 
lived until his death. To Mr. and Mrs. Potter 
were l)orn six children, three yet living: Rebecca 
L., lM)rn Augu.st2i, 1841; Alfred C, who was 
iKirn January 4, 1842, and is now a widower, liv- 
ing at home; and Frances K. F. , born Sei)lemlK.r 
19, 1847. Tho.sc deceased are: Caroline F., who 
was Iwrn July 9, 1845, and died in Burlington, 
Wis., June 12, 1850; John K., who was born 
July 21, 1853, and died in Plymouth, Ma.ss., No- 
vember 7, 1S64; and Julia K., who was Ixjrn No- 
vember 5, 1857. and died in infancy. 

h'or many years Mr. Potter was very prominent 
in i>ublic affairs. He was made the first Judge 
of Walworth County, being appointed by tlie 
Governor, and at the first election to that office he 
was the people's clu)ice. He served in that capac- 
ity for fourteen years, and then resigned, for he 
had been elected to Congress. This was in 1S56. 
The Kepulilican party had ju.st Ix'cii formed, and 
its principles he cspou.sed. He was at that lime 
serving in the State Legislature, and had no inti- 
mation of his noininalion to Congress until calletl 
upon by a delegation, who informed him i>f the 
action of the convention, and a.sked him to accept. 
He never sought political preferment, yet in those 
trying days he felt that he .should do all in his 
p<jwer for the pulilic good, and became the candi- 
date. The district was .strongly Democratic, and 
alone and unaided he made the canvass. His 
oi)poiient was Jack.sou Hadley, of Milwaukee, a 
prominent man of the Democracy, who was .so 
confident of his victory that he had a jollification 
ere the election returns were fully received, and ar- 
ranged for an effigy of Mr. Potter to be burneil. 
The victory, however, was to our subject, who, 
with a keen sense of liumor, wrote Mr. Hadley ask- 
ing him as a special favor to send what cigar.s.aiid 
champagne he had left, and also to send him the 



effigy, as he might need the clothes when he 
startetl for Washington. At each election until 
1863 he was again sent to Congress. But in the 
latter year, when many of the Republicans were in 
the Union army, and there was much dissatisfac- 
tion with the ix)licy of the a<lministration, he was 
defeated by James S. Brown. 

Li the Thirty-sixth Congress Mr. Potter was 
Ciiairman of the Committee on Pensions, and in 
the Thirty-seventh Congress of the Committee on 
Public Land. Wlien the war broke out it was 
his de.sire to enter the army, but the country 
needed him in its Legislative halls, and the service 
required on the battlefield was no more arduous 
than that which fell to his lot as a member of the 
law-making assembly, where North and South 
were bitterly opposing each other in the very halls 
of Congress. At one time he became engaged in 
a hand-to-hand conflict in the central aisle of the 
• House, by going to the rescue of Galuslia A. Grow. 
In the encounter Mr. Barksdale, of Mississippi, 
lost his wig, it having come off in Mr. Potter's 
fist, when that gentleman was removing his hand 
after inflicting a blow. This did not culminate 
in a challenge, Mr. Bark.sdale taking his revenge 
by setting a trap to kill Mr. Potter, which, how- 
ever, failed. 

The generous and forgiving spirit of Mr. Pot- 
ter was afterward shown in his strong friendship 
for Mr. Barksdale. The reconciliation was aflected 
in this manner: Mrs. Potter, who was sitting in the 
gallery of the House, .sent a note to her husband 
asking him to go to dinner with her. Wishing to 
comjily with his wife's request, he asked Mr. 
Cobb, of Alabama, to pair with him. This Mr. 
Cobb was unable to do, and Mr. Bark.sdale, hear- 
ing the request, stepped forward, held out his 
hand, and said he would go with liiiii. The friend- 
ship thus begun was continued until Mr. Barks- 
dale, who joined the Confeder;ite army, fell at 
the battle of Gettysburg. 

The affair between Mr. Potter and Roger A. 
Pryor is the one which brought our .subject most 
into notice. One morning Mr. Pryor rose to 
a question of jirivilege, .saving that at the Coni^ns- 
sioiial Globe office he had found that Mr. Potter 
had in.serted at the end of his (Potter's) speech 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



357 



the words: "The Republicans will be heard, let 
the consequences be what they may." Mr. Pry- 
or claimed that no such words had been uttered 
in debate. The fact of the matter was that Mr. 
Pryor had gone to the newspaper office and erased 
those words from the reporter's copy, and Mr. 
Potter, being informed of the fact, had restored 
them. Rising to repl}' to Mr. Pryor's charge, he 
said that he had u.sed the words referred to, that 
Pryor had erased them from the records, and add- 
ed: "He had no right to do it. It was none of 
the gentleman's business. I stand by what I 
said." Soon after, Mr. Pryor sent to Mr. Potter 
a challenge, and fled to Virginia to avoid arrest. 
Mr. Potter answered through his friend. Col. 
F. W. Lander, that he would fight with bowie- 
knives in the presence of four friends, and at the 
start they should be four feet apart; that the 
weight of their knives and the length of the blades 
were to be equal, and they were to commence on 
the count ' 'Three. ' ' Mr. Potter chose that weapon 
because Mr. Pnor was noted as an expert shot 
with pistols, and Mr. Potter, who was entirely 
unfamiliar with the weapon, would therefore stand 
no show against him. So he chase knives, with 
the use of which both were unfamiliar, thus giv- 
ing them equal advantage. Mr. Chisman, Mr. 
Prj'or's representative, answered that, not recog- 
nizing this vulgar, barbarous and inhuman mode 
of settling difficulties, he could not allow Pryor 
to engage in it. Mr. Pryor returned from Virginia 
the next day, and, learning what his second had 
done, he asked that the matter might be re-opened , 
announcing his willingness to accept the terms. 
The seconds declared a re-opening impracticable, 
and Col. Lander oSered himself in Mr. Potter's 
place without restrictions, but there was no quar- 
rel with him. Mr. Pryor then announced through 
the National Intelligencer that he would attack 
Mr. Potter on sight, but after a few hours he was 
arrested and put under bonds to keep the peace. 
Pryor suffered from this affair, but Mr. Potter's 
straightforward and honorable course won him 
the applause and comniendation of the North. 



His friends stood by him, and some of them, un- 
wished for by him, acted as a vigilance committee, 
accompanying him wherever he went. At lea.st 
one great good came of this episode, for the bar- 
barous practice of duelling has never since had 
the foothold that it once did. Public opinion was 
largely on the side of Mr. Potter, and was ex- 
pressed in various ways, .some admiring friends 
in Missouri .sending him a bowie-knife eight feet 
long. 

Mr. Potter still retains a moderate sized bowie- 
knife, which he prizes very highly because it came 
from a Democrat. The blade is about eight 
inches long and one and one-half inches wide, and 
tapers to a point. Embedded on each side is a 
small brass plate. The first bears the following 
inscription: "Trophy Captured from the 'Loui- 
siana Tigers,' an Organized Band of Reljels and 
Traitors. Norfolk, Va." The other plate reads 
as follows: "Presented on behalf of Brig. -Gen. 
Viele, U. S. A., to Hon. John F. Potter, of Wis- 
consin, as an appropriate memorial of a chival- 
rous incideiit, by Prosper M. Wetmore, of New 
York, on board the steamer 'King Philip,' 
Hampton Roads, Va., May 31, 1862." 

While engaged in the exciting incidents con- 
nected with the opening and progress of the war, 
Mr. Potter met bereavement in the family 
circle, for his loving and faithful wife was called 
to the home beyond on the 5tli of March, 1862. 
In 1864 he returned to his home, and has since 
lived retired from public life. He has ever man- 
ifested a noble, generous spirit, and though Nei- 
ther fear nor favor could influence his views, he 
believes in honest enemies, and gives them the 
respect due them, acknowledging their good qual- 
ities and their heroism. It is a little mind that 
believes there is only one side to a question, and 
Mr. Potter's nature does not po.ssess such an ele- 
ment. He now has an elegant home on the banks 
of the beautiful Potter Lake, where he has as his 
companions the authors of the past and present 
a ares. 



3SS 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RFXORD. 



iii:nk\ ( . \\\'Lii<:. 



HI'.NkV C. WVLII'.. a ri.-tiri.(l larincr wlio 
makes his home in I.ake Geneva, was horn 
in OneiiUi Connty, N. V., Kehrnary i. i.S;,i. 
His jialernal grancU'ather was a native of Con- 
necticut, and was of Irish descent. Three broth- 
ers came from the North of Irehind to America, 
and one Itjcateil in the Xntnieg State, another in 
New York, and the third in North Carolina. 

John W'ylie, from whom our subject is de- 
.scended, came from Countj- Antrim, Irehind, to 
America about 1729, aca>mpanied by his family. 
They landed at Marblehead, Mass., and thence 
went to \'oluntown, Coini., locatinj; about a mile 
ea.st of where James Alexantler lived. The chil- 
dren of the familv were: IHi/abeth, who married 
Munh Wylie, Mardi 25, 1742; John: Jane, who 
married Roiiert Hunter, Decemliery, 1742; Peter, 
who die<l Novemlier 7, i~y), aged twenty-four 
years; James, who with his descx-ndants went to 
New York; and Margaret, who became the wife 
of Mr. IJoardman, and removed to New Lebanon, 
N. Y. John Wylie, the .second of that family, 
was married December 9, 1742, to Sarah Camp- 
bell, and to them were born several children: 
Josei)h was l)oru June jCi. 1744; John was born 
l)eceml)er 22, 174^'; Peter, who was born Febru- 
ary 22, 1749, died Jidy 5, 177S, less than two 
years after his marriage to Paliei'ce Campbell, 
a .si.ster of the wife of his brother Joseph; Moses 
was born October 9, 1751: Nancy was born July 
6, 1754, and was married October 7, 1773, to 
Andrew Hunter, by whom .she had .seven daugh- 
ters; Sarah, born July 22, 1756, became the wife 
of Robert Di.xon, January 15, 1782; Jane, born 
January 24, 17.S9, became the wife of Daniel 
Green; Mary, born April 20, 17^12, was married 
May 4, 1 7S6, to Archibald Campbell; and lili/.a- 



belli, iKirii Jnl\- I, i7<'>7. was married January 14, 
1790, to James Campl)ell. The fatlier of this 
family, John Wylie, die<l in Voluntown, Conn., 
I)eceml)er 26, 1781, at the age of si.xty-.seven 
years, and his wife died in New Lebanon, N. Y., 
January 2S, 1S07, at the age of eighty-four. 

Their .son, Jo.sejih Wylie, the next indirect de- 
scent, was married May 10. 1768, to Mary Camp- 
bell, and their children were as follows: Allen, 
who was born March 4, I7(''9, and died August 5, 
1796; John, born Decemlier 16, 1770; Charles, 
December 14, 1772; Nancy, who was born May i , 
1775, and married Sanuiel Uoardman August 22, 
1793; Sarah, born June 4, 1777, and who died Sep- 
tember 6, 1793; Harbara, liorn Sejitember 27, 
1779, and who married John Park, January 12. 
1797; Celinda, Ixirn DeccmlKT 22. 1781, and who 
died June 27, 17S2; Mollie, who was lK)rn No- 
vember 12, 1783, and was married Noveml)er 25, 
1802, to John A. Camjibell; Celinda, who was 
born March 23, 1787, and became the wife of Ivli- 
jahHo\nton: Welcome, born in July, 1789, and 
who died August 6, 1790; Matilda, who was 
born May 19, 1791, and was married No- 
vember 2, 1818, to Allen Kdnunid; and Rox- 
anna, born in 1796, and who died March 12, 
1797. The mother of this family died May 
30, 1801, and on the 30th of July, iSoi, the 
father, Joseph Wylie, married P'lizaljelh C. Hus- 
ton. Their children were Josej>h, born August 
27, 1802, and IJli/.abeth, who was l)oni June 6, 
1805, and became the wife of James Crary Jan- 
uary 22, 1829. Joseph Wylie, Sr., died July 29, 
1S12. and his wife died May 22, 1835. 

Deacon John Wylie was married January 14, 
I 773, to l''li7.al)eth Wylie. and their children were: 
Margaret, who was born July 13, 1774, and was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



359 



married October 9, 1794, to Joseph Kasson; 
Moses, who was born February 24, 1776, and 
died June 2, 1854; Ehzabeth, who was born Feb- 
ruar3- 26, 177S, and became the wife of John 
Wylie; Sallie, who was born October 21, 1783, 
and died June 4, 1784; Nancy, who was born 
June 6, 1785; and Polly, born October 2, 1792. 
Deacon John Wylie died Februarj- 6, 1827, and 
his wife's death occurred March 29, 1831. 

John Wylie, son of Joseph Wylie, was married 
May I, 1794, to Amy Brown Tyler, and l)y their 
union were born the following children: Polly, 
born July 5, 1795; Lucy, who was born July 
15' 1797. ^""^^ married Amos Prentice; Rachel 
Brown, who was born August 25, 1799, and 
became the wife of Thomas Chapman; John 
Tyler, born April 8, 1802; and Charles Bish- 
op, born March 18, 1804. Mrs. Amy Brown 
Wylie died August 2, 1804, and on the i8th of 
October of that j'ear was celebrated the marriage 
of John and F'lizabeth Wylie. Their children were 
Henry, born April 10, 1S06; Alva, February 16, 
1809; and Betsy Amy, who was born May 29, r8 1 1 , 
and became the wife of John P. Kas.son, Sep- 
tember 30, 1833. Mrs. Elizabeth Wylie died 
August 26, 181 1, and on the 29tli of October, 
1812, John Wylie married Sarah Susanna Dor- 
rance. Their children were: Mary Ivlizabeth, 
who was born August 22, 1813, and married 
Job Cutler, May 24, 1836; James Allen, who 
was born July 18, 181 5, and died March i, 181 7; 
Jo.seph, who was born June 7, 1817, and died 
July 7, 1817; Susanna D., born June 18, 1818; 
and an infant, who was born April 22, 1820, 
and died the .same day. The father of this 
family died March 9, 1846, and his wife passed 
away March 17, 1857. 

The grandfather of our .subject was a lawyer, 
and lived to the ripe old age of eighty years. The 
father of our subject, John Wylie, was born in 
Connecticut, and followed fanning. He married 
Polly Hemsted, a native of New York, and a 
daughter of Gideon Hemsted, who was of German 
de.scent. He followed farming in the Empire 
State, and died in Oneida County, N. Y. When 
our subject was only two years old, his parents 
removed to Chautauqua County, and in 1856 



came to Walworth County, Wis., settling on a 
farm in La Fayette Township, now f)wned by 
Henry C. The father purchased a partially im- 
proved tract of one hundred and sixty acres, and 
continued its cultivation until his death, wliich 
occurred in 1861, at the age of fifty-nine years. 
His wife survived him, and reached the advanced 
age of eighty. In religious belief, they were 
Methodi.sts, and took an active part in church 
work. In the family were five sons and three 
daughters, of whom four are yet living: William, 
of Lake Geneva; Lucy, wife of Chauncey vStokes, 
of Boulder, Colo.; Henry C; and Alva, a resi- 
dent of California. 

The subject of this sketch was reared in Chau- 
tauqua County, N. Y., acquired his education 
in the district schools, and remained upon his 
father's farm until he had attained his majority. 
He then began farming for himself, and followed 
that pursuit until his retirement from active busi- 
ness life. Hoping to better his financial condi- 
tion, he came to the West in 1S52, and .spent two 
years in La Grange, Wis. In 1856 he removed' 
to his farm in La Fayette Township, where he 
made his home for about thirt3--,six years. 

On the loth of September, 1858, Mr. Wylie 
and Miss Harriet E. Houghton were married. 
The lad\- was a daughter of William and Aurilla 
Elmina (Cornish) Houghton, natives of Vermont. 
They came to Wisconsin in 1838, locating on 
Round Prairie, now La Grange. Her grandfa- 
ther, Jonas Houghton, was for many years a resi- 
dent of the Green Mountain State, and was of 
English descent. He served as a soldier in the 
Revolutionary War, entering the ami)- at the age 
of .seventeen. His wife bore tlie maiden name of 
Phcebe Ricksford, and to them were born the fol- 
lowing children: Betsy, born Januarj- 12, 1786; 
Elijah, February 27, 1788; Jonas, December 29, 
17S9; James, December 26, 1791; Josiah, April 
3. 1793; Joel, December i, 1794; Sally, May 9, 
1796; Prudy, March 3, 1798; Nancy, January 
17, 1800; William, Aj^ril 3, 1802; Charles, Feb- 
ruary 13, 1S04; and Polly, April 24, 1806. The 
father of this family died December 9, 1834. His 
wife, who was born January 18, 1762, died at the 
age of ninety-three. The parents of Mrs. Wylie 



3rio 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



were iiiarrietl September lo, 1829, and to theiii 28th of February, 1856. married Sarah J. Taylor, 

were lx)rn the following children: Harriet K., John Dudley was the second pa.stor of the Dela- 

Lncetta. Horacf, William Chester, I.ucy Iv, and van Baptist Church. He dic<l February 7, 1S68, 

a son who died in infancy. Chester served as a and William Dudley died March 27, it<69. Arthur 

Cajjlain in the late war, having conunand of a J. Dudley, who was liorn Jamiary 27. 1859, wed- 

com|)an>- known as the " Lake Su]>erinr Tigers." dcil Lora M. Wylie, October. ^i, 18S3. Their 



He was woundeil in the Battle of the Wilderness, 
and it was f<nuid necessary to aminitate his left 
ami. Before entering the service he engaged in 
the practice of law in Houghton, Mich. Hedied 
at Derby Line, Vt. 

Mrs. Wjlie died May 29, 1894, after an illness 
of only two days, though she had been an invalid 
for .six years. To her and her husband were Iwrn 
three cliihlrcn. Lora married Arthur J. Dudley, 
who died .March 4, 1890. His grandl'ather, John 
H. Dudley, who was born Septend^er 7, 1S03, 
ivas married Jatniary 8, 1S27, to Betsy M. lug- 
ham, who was Ijorn June 21, 181 1. The father, 
William Dudley, was Inini ,Septendjcr 22, 1829, 
and in Clvde, Sandusky County. Ohio, on the 



children were Carroll .Arthur, who was lM)rn 
Septeud)er 26, 1885, and an infant daughter, 
who was born November 27, iS,S7, and die<l Jan- 
uar\' 2(j, i.S.SS. Chester W. H. is the second 
of tile W\lie family. Charles H., a dentist of 
Chicago, married Miss Nettie Cross, and has one 
son, Ralph. In politics, .Mr. Wylie is a I'ndiibi- 
tionist, and his wife belongs to the Methodist 
I-lpiscojial Church. They are well-known peojile 
of the counuunity, and are held in high regard 
by all. In his business career he has l)een suc- 
cessful, and through his own efforts has acquired 
a comj)eteuce which now enables him to live re- 
tired. 



JOHN OSLOCK. 



(l(iIIX OSLOCK, one of the represent.itive 
I farmers of .Sugar Creek Townshi]), now liv- 
C2/ iug on section 20, claims Norway as the land 
of his birth, which occurred on the 15th of Sep- 
lend)er, 1H43. His parents, Oslock Hah'crson and 
Ann lleuson, his wife, were natives of Norway, 
and in that country remained until 1S4S, when 
they bade adieu to home and friends and crossed 
the briny deep to the New World. On landing 
in America, they came at once to Walworth 
County, Wis., and here took up their residence. 
The father was a farmer and mason, and carried 
on agricultural pursuits during the years in which 
he made this locality his home. In politics, he 
was a sup])orler of tiie Republican jjarty. His 
death occurred at the age of eighty years, and his 



wife pa.s.sed away at the age of eighty-two. They 
were both UKMubers of the Lutheran Church, and 
all who knew them respected them, for they were 
peo]>U' well worthy of the e.steeiu and confiden'fe 
of their friends. 

John ()sl(x:k was a child of oidy six years when, 
with his parents, hecaine to Anierica. In the us- 
ual niauuer of farmer lads he was reared, andearl\- 
in life became familiar with farm work in all its 
details. Thrt)ngh the summer months he aided 
in the labors of the fields, and through the winter 
season attended the public and Norwegian schools, 
thus ac<(uiring a good education. When a young 
man of twenty he left home and spent one winter 
in the pineries of Michigan. 

.Mr. Oslock was niarrieil on the 29tli of March, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



361 



1867, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah 
Johnson, of Sugar Creek Township. Their union 
has been blessed with one child, Albert Marvin, 
who was born December 10, 1888. The mother 
is a daughter of Lars and Marj- (Jacobson) John- 
son, who were natives of Norway, and came to 
America in 1847. They took up their residence 
upon a farm in Walworth Countj-, and there spent 
their remaining days. The mother's death occur- 
ed at the age of fiftj--nine, while the father passed 
away at the age of sixty- nine. They were both 
members of the Lutheran Church. 

Upon his marriage, Mr. O.slock purchased one 
hundred and thirty-nine acres of improved land, 
but had to go in debt for the greater part of it. He 
then began life in earnest, and as the result of his 
energy and perseverance soon paid off his indel:)t- 
edness. His land he placed under a high state of 
cultivation, and the rich and fertile fields were 
made to j-ield to him a golden tribute in return 



for the care and labor he bestowed upon them. 
He now has a well-improved place, neat and thrift}' 
in appearance, and in connection with general 
farming, he is engaged in tlie dairy business, which 
yields to him a good income. Mr. 0.slock is an 
enterpri.sing and progressive citizen, and the best 
interests of the community find in him a friend. 
In his political views, he is a stanch Republican, 
and has been frequentlj' called upon to serve in 
positions of public trust. He filled the office of 
Township Treasurer for four terms, was a mem- 
ber of the Township Board ofSupervisors for sev- 
eral 5'ears, and for the past seven years has been 
Assessor. The able manner in which he has di.s- 
charged his duties has won recognition in his fre- 
quent re-election to office. He and his wife are 
members of the Lutheran Church, and are num- 
bered among the best citizens af their adopted 
county. 



DANIEL BIGELOW. 



0ANIEL BIGELOW, one of the honored 
pioneer settlers of Walworth Count}-, now 
residing on section 17, Sugar Creek Town- 
ship, has since an early day in the historj- of this 
community been one of its residents. He came 
hither in the spring of 1837, when Wisconsin 
was yet a territory, and the greater part of the 
land was still in pos.se.ssion of the Government, and 
when the Indians were far more lumierous than 
the white settlers. He has therefore witnessed 
the entire growth and development of the county, 
yet has not been an indifferent looker-on, having 
ever borne his part in the work of upbuilding and 
advancement. He may therefore well be num- 
bered among the founders of the county, to whom 
a debt of gratitude is due for what they ha\-e 
done for its progress and prosperitj-. 



Mr. Bigelow was born in Horton, Nova Scotia, 
Jul)- 24, 18 15, and was the seventh in a family of 
twelve children, five sons and seven daughters, 
whose parents were Daniel and Emma (Johnson) 
Bigelow. The father was a native of Nova Sco- 
tia, and during his boyhood remained at home, 
working at ship-building, until he had attained 
his majority. He built a ship for himself, and at 
one time owned three vessels. He spent a short 
time on the ocean, sailing his ships to the West 
Indies. In 1825 he sold out and remov-ed to 
Richland County, Ohio. There he purchased a 
farm, and in connection with its operation he also 
engaged in the practice of medicine until 1834, 
which year witnessed his arrival in what is now 
Milwaukee, Wis., a place then containing only 
three log cabins, owned by a French Indian- 



362 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



trader. Mr. Bigelow built a sawmill, which he once began its development, and with the cnide 

i>l)crate<l for three years, after which he .sold out, machinery of those days transformed the raw 

and built another s:uviiiill in Waukesha County, jirairie into ricli and fertile fields, 
there carrying on business for four years. On In October, 1.S41, Mr. Hi^elow aijain returned 

the expiration of that ]K'riod became to V\'alworth to Ohio, and was there united in marriage with 

County, and for a time resided with his children, Miss Amy McCart, of Richland County. By 

but later returned to Nova Fcotia, wishing to their union were born four children, a son and 

.s])end his last days ill his old home. His death three daughters: Mary J., now the wife of Charles 

occurred at the advaiice<l age of eighty-eight Kinney, a resident of Klkhoni; Ladora, who died 

years. The jialernal grandfather of our subject at the age of thirty-three; Aiiiasa, a machiiii.st of 

was a native of France, and at the time of the Montana; and l-llla, wife of Osmer Robb, who is 



Revolutionary War removed to Xovri Scotia. 
The mother of our subject was born in Nova 
Scotia, and was of Scotch extraction. Her death 
occurred at the early age of thirty-five years. 



now engaged in the oiK-ration of the old home- 
stead. 

In politics, Mr. Bigelow has always Ikcii a 
warm a»lvocate of Democratic ]>riiiciples, but has 



Daniel Bigelow was a child of ten summers never sought or desired jiolilical preferment, 
when, witli his parents, he came West. To his The cause of education has found in him a warm 
father he gave the benefit of his services until friend, ami he served on the School Board for 
twenty-one years of age, working in a sawmill, several terms. He now owns one hundred and 
and then left home, spending one winter in Ohio, forty acres of laud in Walworth County, eighty 
The spring of 1837 witnessed his arrival in Wal- of which he entered from the Government fifty- 
worth County. Here he .secured a .squatter's .seven years ago. All that he has represents his 
claim, and when the land came into market two own labor, and his pos.se.s.sions stand as a monu- 
years later, he ]>urcliase(l it of the Government. nient to his thrift and enterprise. His life has 
It was a wild tract, upon which not a furrow had been an exemplary one, and has gained him uiii- 
lieen turned or an improvenienl inatle, but lie at versal confidence and regard. 



(;i:uK(.i': kki:i)s. 



elCoRCib. KRlUi.S, who is now .serving as 
.Sheriff of Jefferson County, and is a well- 
known resident of the city of Jefferson, was 
born ill the city of New York, on the iStli of 
January, 1S5!, and is a son of julm C. and Maria 
(Gottlieb) Krel)s. His parents were b)th iiati\-es 
of Gernianw but during chil Ihood came to 
America. The father was a machiiii.st by trade, 
anil during the greater part of his life carried on 
business along that line. In 1S73, accoinjianied 
Ity liis wife and children, lie startcxl westward. 



and made a IcK-ation in Vi. Atkinson, Wis., where 
he carried on a saloon, and al.so engaged in 
merchandising, until his death, which occurred 
on the 2ylh of October, 1S6S, at the age of forty 
years. 

In the Krebs family were the following chil- 
dren: Mary, now the wife of H. A. Chase, a 
resident of Marshfield, Wis., by whom .she has 
one daughter, P'ay; Maggie, wife of John \'io 
Lie, of I'"t. Atkinson, Wis., by whom she has two 
children. May and Maud; Louise, wife of Philip 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



363 



Noel; and William D., who is married and has 
two sons and a daughter, William, George and 
Nellie. 

In presenting to our readers the sketch of 
George Krebs, we record the life historj- of one 
who is widely and favorably known in thi.s com- 
munitj'. He was a child of only two years when 
he came with his parents to Wi.sconsin, and in 
Ft. Atkinson the days of his boyhood and youth 
were passed. When a yoinig man he learned 
the machinist's trade, which he has followed 
throughout his entire life. He is a good work- 
man, and has therefore met with .success in his 
imdertakings. 

As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey, 
Mr. Krebs chose Miss Emily Wright, a native of 
Jefferson, and a daughter of Andrew J. and 



Margaret (Seifert) Wright. Their marriage was 
celebrated in Ft. Atkinson, on the 13th of Sep- 
tember, 1S73. They are well-known people, 
and by their many friends are held in high 
regard. 

In his political views, Mr. Krebs is a Demo- 
crat, and warmly advocates the principles of his 
party. He is regarded as one of its leading 
members in this locality, having rendered it 
valuable assistance. For eight j'ears he served 
as Deput}' Sheriff of the count}', and in Novem- 
ber, 1892, was elected Sheriff, which position he 
is now filling with credit to himself and .satisfac- 
tion to his constituents. Socially, he is an active 
member of the Odd Fellows' Society, and of 
the Modern Woodmen of America. 



ASA K. OWEN. 



(S\ SA K. OWEN, who is engaged in the publi- 
/ 1 cation of the Lake Geneva Nncs, and is also 
/ I a dealer in flour and feed in Lake Geneva, 
was born on the 26th of March, 1S38, in Philo- 
meth, Ind. His parents were Asal and Elizabeth 
(Grafton) Owen, the former a native of Kentucky, 
and the latter of Mrginia. The father was for 
some time in good circumstances, but shortly af- 
ter the birth of his son he lost his property, and, 
like thousands of others, sought new fields of la- 
bor. He went to McDonough County, 111., in 
1841, and there resided until his death, with the 
exception of five }■ ears spent in Adams Count}-, 
111. 

The educational advantages of our .subject 
were limited to the common schools of this coun- 
ty and a few months' attendance at the High 
School of Profs. Barge and Camion, of Ma- 
comb, 111. By constant application and study at 
home, he mastered nearly all the sciences taught 



in the academies and colleges of the West. 
About nine years of his life have been spent in 
teaching. This profession was well suited to his 
taste, and more lucrative than any other bu.siness, 
requiring no capital but talent. He taught in 
the High School of St. Paris, Ohio, and in vari- 
ous places in Illinois and Missouri. At the break- 
ing out of the war, in 1861, he was teaching in 
Mis.souri, and on account of his free-soil and union 
principles was invited to leave. He at once re- 
turned home, and began the work of raising re- 
cruits for the army, Ijut on account of ill-health 
he was refused enrollment himself, which was a 
great disappointment, as it was his desire to do 
all he could in the defense of his countr}-. Al- 
though his services were declined in the field, he 
worked for the cause at home, and no more lo3'al 
man could be found than A.sa K. Owen. He con- 
tributed to the songs of his country the war hymn 
entitled, "During the Battle," which was pub- 



364 



PORTRAIT AND niOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



lished by H. M. Higgins, one of the leading music 
publishers of the country. He also contributed 
to the press both prose and poetry. His articles 
are well written, are very readable, and are of 
much interest. "The McDonough County Pio- 
neers," and "Autunni in McDonouj^h Cnunly," 
are esjx'cially full of merit. 

On the 2f)tli of March, iSf^s, .Mr. Owen was 
united in marriage with Miss N. A. Ivdmundson. 
Three children were born unto them, of wliom 
two are yet living, Olive D. and Dale, both at 
home. In the same year as his marriage Mr. 
Owen opened a general .store in Tennessee, 111., 
where he carrieil on bu.siness for a mnnber of 
years. He also engaged in the grain trade, and 
success crowned his efforts, his energy and enter- 
prise winning him a well-deserved competence. 
While thus employed he made, his abode on a 
farm a mile west of the town, where he had a 
pleasant home. During his residence in McDon- 
ough County, he was several times solicited to 
become a candidate for public office, but it was 



not his desire to enter the political arena; how- 
ever, in i.S7_^, he accepted the nomination for 
County Clerk, but in that year the farmers and 
laboring cla.sscs had become excited over the cry 
of moni)i>oly raised by the Democracy, and many 
withdrew from the Republican ranks, so that he 
failed of election. He .ser\'ed as Postmaster of 
Tennessee for some years, and di.scharged his du- 
ties with promptness and fidelity. 

In 1.S.S3, Mr. Owen came to Lake Geneva and 
purchased the Lake Geneva AVrr5, which he has 
since published. It is a well-edited jiaiK^r, de- 
voted to the interests of this comninnity, and re- 
ceives from the public a liberal patronage. In 
1894 he bought out a flour and feed store, and is 
also conducting that at the jiresent time. He is 
recognized as one of the progressive and valueil 
citizens of the connnunity, and is a popular man. 
who wins friends wherever he goes. He is held 
in the highest regard throughout the locality, 
and well deserves representation in the history of 
his adopted county. 



1 



JOHN EDWARD MORGAN. 



(TOHN KDWARl) .MORGAN, the efficient 
I County Clerk of Jefferson County, has the 
C2/ honor of being a native of this locality, for 
he was liorn in Sullivan Town.shiji, on the 13th of 
March, 1855, and is of Irish descent. His par- 
ents, Michael and Mary (Kinnegan) Morgan, 
were both natives of the Ivmerald Isle, born in the 
parish of Killbegnet, County Galloway, and both 
came of families who carried on agricultural pur- 
suits as a means of livelihood. Michael Morgan 
was a son of Peter Morgan, a tanner by trade, 
and he had a brother John, who was al.soa tatnier. 
About 1844 he came to America with his brother, 
James Morgan, who became a Georgia planter. 
A sister, Catherine, became tlie wife of Anthony 



Crowe, and, crossing the Atlantic, became a resi- 
dent of Jefferson County, Wis. The mollier of 
our subject was a daughter of Malachi and Mary 
(.Smith) Finnegan, who came to the United Slates 
about 1844 and took up their residence in Ottawa 
Township, Waukesha County, where they spent 
tlieir remaining days. Mrs. Morgan had two 
brothers, Thomas and William, who died leav- 
ing families. 

Michael Morgan learne<l the tanner's trade in 
New York, and followed the same until he came 
to the We.st, about 1852. He made a settlement 
in the town of Sullivan, Jefferson County, where 
he carried on businiJss as a tanner for a few 
years. In the mean time he had purchased some 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



365 



farming land, and thenceforth devoted his en- 
ergies to agricultural pursuits until called to' the 
home beyond. He was an active and progressive 
business man and honored citizen, who gave his 
earnest support and co-operation to all enterprises 
calculated to prove of public benefit. His death 
occurred on the 5th of March, 1876, at the age of 
fiftj'-five years, as the result of typhoid-pneu- 
monia. His wife still sun'ives him, and is yet 
living on the old homestead. They were the par- 
ents of a family of six sons and four daughters, 
of whom William, Thomas and Edward are now 
residents of Milwaukee. 

John Edward Morgan whose name heads this 
record was reared to manhood on his father's 
farm, and early became familiar with all the 
duties connected with its cultivation. As soon as 
old enough to handle the plow, he began work in 
the fields, and since that time he has followed 



agricultural pursuits. He was united in mar- 
riage in Sullivan Township, Jefferson County, 
with Miss Mar}- McGinnis, a daughter of James 
and Margaret (Garrity) McGinnis. Their union 
has been blessed with five children, three sons 
and two daughters: John, Frank, Walter, Nellie 
and Jennie. 

Mr. Morgan has always taken an active inter- 
est in politics, and is a stalwart supporter of the 
men and measures of the Democracj*. He was 
nominated by his partj' for the position of County 
Clerk in the fall of 1892, and the election returns 
of November of that year show that he won the 
race by a good majorit)-. He is now creditably 
and acceptably filling the office, discharging his 
duties with a promptness and fidelitj- which have 
won him high connnendation. Both he and his 
wife are members of St. John's Roman Catholic 
Church. 



HENRY L. DOUGLAS. 



HENRY L. DOUGLAS is one of the progress- 
ive and .succe.ssful business men of Lake Mills, 
being engaged in the milling business, as the 
.senior member of the firm of Douglas & Brown. 
A native of Sharon, Walworth County, he was 
born on the 3d of October, 1850, and is a son of 
Gilbert L- and Alida (Hawver) Douglas, both of 
whom were natives of New York. In 1835 the 
father emigrated with his parents to the Territory 
of Wisconsin, and became one of the first .settlers 
of Walworth County, which had then hardly been 
opened up to civilization. The paternal grand- 
father of our subject entered land from the Gov- 
ennnent, and the family experienced all the hard- 
ships and privations of pioneer life. In Walworth 
County, Gilbert Douglas was married, and then 
turned his attention to farming, which he followed 
until 1850, when he crossed the plains to Califor- 



nia. There he spent three )-ears in the gold fields, 
after which he returned to his old home. He is 
now living a retired life in Walworth Count}-, at 
the age of seventy-three j-ears, and is one of its 
honored pioneer .settlers. 

Henry L- Douglas was only about eighteen 
months old at the time of his mother's death. He 
was reared on a farm in his native county until fif- 
teen years of age, and attended the public schools, 
acquiring a good English education. In 1865, he 
went with his father to Rock County, where he 
remained until twent}--two years of age, when he 
started westward. During the succeeding ten 
years of his life he was engaged in mining in Colo- 
rado, Utah and Arizona, and was quite succes.sful, 
winning a comfortable competence, with which, 
on his return to Wi.sconsin, he purchased a flour- 
ing mill in Ocouomowoc. This he operated sue- 



366 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



cessfully for six 3-ears, after which he sold out atid Miss Carrie A.Brown, a native of Walworth 
came to Lake Mills, in SepteinlK-r, iSSS. I'lir- County, and their union has been blessed with 
cliasinj^ a mill at this jjlacc, he contiiuicd alone in two cliildren, Cordia and Blanche. Mr. Donjjlas 
business mitil July, 1.S91 , when Dean M. Brown is a memlK-r of the Masonic fraternity and the In- 
was admitted to equal partnership, lender the dependent Order of Odd Fellows, and in politii-s 
firm style of l)oui;las iV Brown the mill is now is a snjiporter of the jirinciplcs of the Republican 
operated, and a j^ood income is derived therefrom. i)arly. He is recoj^nized as one of the enter- 
Mr. Douglas is also interested in a cold-storage prising and substantial citizens of Lake Mills, and 
warehouse, which, in 1.S92, in compan\- with C. I". his careful management and good business ability 
OreenwiH)d, he erected at a cost of 54,ihk_). have l)rouglil liiin ;i success which is well dcser\ ed. 
In 18S2 our subject was united in marriage with 



OLE JACOBSOX, 



0IJC J ACOBSON, whocarrieson general farm- 
ing on section 21, Sugar Creek Town.ship, 
is a native of Norway, his birth having oc- 
curred near Skein, on the 26th of April, 1S38. 
His parents were Jacob aiul Margaret (Lawson) 
Jacobson. Both were born and reared near .Skein, 
and by their marriage lliey l)ecame the parents of 
a family of seven children, namely: Jacob, who 
died in iS6i;Torson, who is living in Sugar Creek 
Town.ship; Mary, who died in 1.S.S4: and Guar- 
ney, Ivllen and Louis, all of whom died in Nor- 
way. In A]iril, 1S47, the jiarents bade adieu to 
friends and native land, and with the family sailed 
for the New World. Tlie\- took ui> tlieir resi- 
dence in Walworth Comity, Wis., and here their 
remaining days were passed. The mother died 
in 1875, and the father, who survived her twelve 
years, passed away in 1.S87, and was laid by her 
side in Sugar Creek Cemetery. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
was a youth of nine sunnners when he came to 
the I'nited Stales. In the usual manner of farmer 
lads he was reared to manhood, the da\s of his 
boyhood and youth being spent in his parents' 
home. On attaining his majority he started out 
in life for himself, and continued farming until 



after the breaking out of the Civil War, when, on 
the 14th of Octolier, 1 86 1 , prompted b\ patriotic 
impulses, he responded to the country's call for 
troops. He Ixcame Second Lieutenant of Com- 
pany H, Thirteenth Wisconsin Infantry, and saw 
much hard service, participating in many of the 
leading battles of the war. He remained in the 
South until after the preservation of the Union 
was an assured fact, and in Texas, on the 24lh of 
Noxember, 1865, was nuistered out. He then 
returned to Walworth Cimntw and has made it 
his home continuously since. 

Another important event in the life of Mr. 
Jacobson occurred on the 22d of May, 1872, when 
was celebrated his marriage with Miss Ann Nel- 
son, a daughter of G. W. and Caroline ( Hanson) 
Nelson. Their union has liecn bles.sed with seven 
children, tliree sons and four daughters, namely: 
Clara Matilda, Louisa A., Ivlla Josephine, Oscar 
Adolph, Carl Joseph, Kmma Marie and Theodore 
Leroy. The family circle \et remains unbroken. 
All have been educated in the schools of Sugar 
Creek and Elkhorn, and are thus being fitted for 
the practical and res]>onsible duties of life. 

Mr. Jacobson now owns a i)leasant and attract- 
ive home on section 21, Sugar Creek Township, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



367 



where he has one hundred and eighty-two acres 
of rich and valuable land, the old homestead which 
his father secured on coming to the county. He 
has always followed farming and stock-raising, 
and as the result of his industry, perseverance 
and well-directed efforts, he has met with good 
success, becoming one of the .sub.stantial citizens 
of the community. He exercises his right of 
franchise in support of the Republican party, and 
warmly advocates its principles. He has fre- 
quently been called upon to .serve in po.sitions of 



public trust, was Supervi.sor of his town.ship for 
five years, served as Town Clerk two years, and 
has been Justice of the Peace, Town Treasurer 
and School Director for many years. He and his 
family are members of the Lutheran Church. 
The Jacobson household is the abode of hospital- 
ity and its members rank high in social circles. 
They are held in high regard by all their friends 
and neighbors and are cla.ssed among the best cit- 
izens of the county. 



SILAS P. HITCHCOCK. 



(TJlLAS P. HITCHCOCK, who makes his 
?\ home in Lake Mills, was born in Burlington, 
\yj Hartford County, Conn., on the ist of Oc- 
tober, 18 1 2, and is a son of Calvin H. and Eliza- 
beth (Palmeter) Hitchcock, who were also natives 
of the Nutmeg State. By occupation the father 
was a farmer, and always followed farming as a 
means of livelihood. Both he and his wife .spent 
their entire lives in Connecticut. He served for 
a short time in the War of 1812, being drafted 
just before its clo.se. In his political views, he 
was an advocate of Whig principles. 

Under the parental roof Silas P. Hitchcock was 
reared to manhood, and in the public schools of 
the neighborhood acquired a good Engli.sh edu- 
cation. He early became familiar with all the du- 
ties of the farm, and remained at home, aiding 
his father, until twenty-two years of age, when 
he started out in life for himself. Going to cen- 
tral New York, he located in Ontario County, 
where he engaged in merchandising for a num- 
ber of years. At length he determined to seek a 
home in the West, hoping thereby to benefit his 
financial condition, and in 1848 he came to Wis- 
consin. He cast in his lot with the early settlers 
of Lake Mills, and shortly after purchased land in 



this lncalit\-. His time and attention were then 
given to agricultural pursuits for many years. His 
farm was placed under a high state of cultivation 
and supplied with all modern accessories and con- 
veniences. The well-tilled fields yielded to him 
a golden tribute in return for the care and labor 
he bestowed upon them, and the neat and thrifty 
appearance of the place indicated his careful su- 
pervision. 

Mr. Hitchcock was married in 1842, the lady 
of his choice being Mi.ss Loui.sa Parker, a native 
of Naples, Ontario County, N. Y. Four children 
graced this iniion: Carlton C, a resident of Min- 
nesota; Arthur; Edwin N. and Etta. 

Mr. Hitchcock continued to successfull}- engage 
in agricultural pursuits uritil 1884, when he left 
the farm, and has since resided in Lake Mills. He 
is among the oldest and best known citizens of 
Jefferson County, and his fellow-townsmen, ap- 
preciating his worth and ability, have frequently 
called upon him to serve in places of public trust. 
He has been a member of the Board of Supervi.sors 
of Lake Mills Township, and was al.so Town 
Treasurer for a number of years, in which offices 
he discharged his duties with a promptness and 
fidelity that won him higli connnendation. Mr. 



368 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Hitchcock purchased and operated what is now 
the Newton Hotel for a niunl»er of years, but af- 
terward sold the same. He was also intereste<l 
ill the foundry and machine-shops, and has had a 
long, active and successful business career in Lake 
Mills. He is a meml)er<)f the Imlepeiident Order 
of Odd Fellows, has fdled all the ofTices in the 
subordinate lodge, and is a member of the Grand 



Lodge of the State. He exercises his right of 
franchise in support of the Republican party. 
During his long residence in Jefferson County he 
has formed a witle ac<iuaintance, and by all who 
know him he is held in high regard, his many 
excellencies of character winning him the respect 
of all. 



iiilNRV c. crlc;i:k. 



NI'INRV C. CRUGIvR, a well-known resident 
of Waterloo, was born in New York City on 
the Stli ofj.inuary, 1S42, and is the .son of 
Jeffer.son and .Mary (vSherwood) Cruger, the former 
a native of the Empire State, and the latter of 
Connecticut. They were married in New York 
on the ijlh of September, iSj^i, and after a short 
jierifxl renioveil to New York City. Ky their 
union they became the i>arenls of several ciiililren. 
Mary, the eldest, was born Septemljer 11, 1S33, 
and died Februar\ 14, 1835; Minerva, born De- 
ceml)er 20, 18,^5, died in Septeml)er, 1S79; Jeffer- 
son, born on the 5th of May, 183S, was married 
on Christmas Day of 1859 to Mary Hatfield, and 
in Augu.st. 1862, entered the service of his cotni- 
try as a member of Company A, Twenly-iiiiith 
Wisconsin Infantry, in which he served until his 
death, which (x-cnrred in New Orleans April 23, 
i8r>4; Elizabeth, born June ifi, 1844. died Au- 
gust 23, 1845; George W., barn July 17,1848, is 
now residing in Oneida, S. Dak.; Daniel D., 
born on the ist of March, 1S51, died on the 24th 
of Scplendier of the .same year; John, born March 
31, 1853, ])assed away on the iglh of August, 
1854; Joseph, the ninth and youngest of the fam- 
ily, was born August 5, 1837, and died on the 
27th of Jaiuiary, 1864. 

JelTersun Cruger, the father, was al.so one of 
the bovs in blue of the late war He enlisted in 



the nuL- hniiilrL-d days' .service, becoming a mem- 
ber of Company K, Forty -sixth Iowa Infantry. 

Henry C. Cruger whose name heads this record 
was reared to manhood under the parental roof, 
and the ]>ublic schools afforded him his educa- 
tional privileges. He too went to the defense of 
liis country during the Civil War. On the 26th of 
January, 1862, he offered his services to the 
Goverinnent, and was assigned to Company K. 
Thirty-fonilh Indiana Infantry. He particii)ated 
in the siege of Island No. 10, took part in the 
battles of I't. Gib.'^on and Champion Hills, and 
was al.so in the siege of X'icksbnrg, where, on the 
2d of July, 1S63, he was wounded in the left arm. 
In August he went to Memphis, where he re- 
mained in the hosjjital until April, 1864, when he 
was sent to St. Louis. In June, 1864. lie was 
transferred to the Veteran Reserve Cori>s, becom- 
ing a iiienit)er of the Ninety-second Regiment, 
Second Battalion. He was a.ssigncd to duty in 
Rock Island, 111., and there remained until hon- 
orably disciiarged on the 7tli of November fol- 
lowing. 

In 18^16, Mr. Cruger came to Wisconsin, and 
since that time has made his home in Waterloo. 
On the 15th of September, 1867, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of Chris- 
tian and Anna ( .McKniglit) Kimllen, theformera 
native of Genuany, and the latter of New York. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



369 



In their family were four children. John C. , born 
December 2, 1835, married Josephine Bacon, and 
is now living in New London, Wis.; Sarah Jane 
died in 1855, at the age of eighteen years: Mrs. 
Cruger is the next younger; and Bet,sy Ann now 
makes her home in Marshall, Wis. 

Unto our subject and his wife have been born 
five children: Elmer L-, born April 21, 1861, 
married Emeline Snell, and is now living in Mar- 
shall; Henrj- J., born February i, 1863, wedded 
Eliza Sickles, and makes his home in Waterloo; 



Ernest L., born July 17, 1868, married Annie 
Ruege, and is a resident of New London, Wis.; 
John W., born August 9, 1872, married Ida Krue- 
ger, and is now living in Beloit; and George P., 
twin brother of John, is at home. The family is 
widely and favorably known in this conmiunity, 
and its representatives hold an enviable position in 
the social circles in which they move. Mr. Cruger 
is a faithful citizen, manifesting the same loyalty 
in times of peace as he did when he followed the 
Old Flag on southern battlefields. 



HARMON WOOD. 



HARMON WOOD, a retired farmer, now liv- 
ing in Lake Mills, is one of the early settlers 
of Jefferson Count)-, and for many years was 
prominently connected with its agricultural in- 
terests. He claims Connecticut as the State of his 
nativity, his birth having occurred in Sharon, 
Litchfield County, on the loth of June, 181 7. 
His parents were William and F<stlier (Cronk- 
rite) Wood. The father was born in the Nut- 
meg State, and was of Welsh descent, and the 
mother was a native of New York. By occupa- 
tion the former was a farmer, and followed that 
pursuit throughout his entire life, which was 
passed in his native State. 

Mr. Wood whose name heads this record was 
reared upon a farm in the county of his nativity, 
and acquired his early education in the subscrip- 
tions schools of that day. He remained at home 
until after he had attained his majority, but in 
the spring of 1842 bade adieu to friends and fam- 
ily, and in company with his brother Daniel emi- 
grated to Ohio. In the fall of the same year they 
came to Jefferson County, Wis., where thej- en- 
tered land from the Government. Our subject 
made a claim of one hundred and twenty acres of 
wild land, and still owns the old homestead which 



he thus secured. At the time of his purchase it 
was in its primitive condition, but with charac- 
teristic energy he began its cultivation and de- 
velopment, and at length succeeded in opening 
up a good farm, upon which he placed many ex- 
cellent improvements. He resided on the old 
homestead for about forty years, and met with 
prosperity in liis undertakings. As his financial 
resources were increased, he extended the bound- 
aries of his farm, until it now comprises three hun- 
dred and thirt}- acres of rich land, which yields to 
him a good income. 

On the 29111 of July, 1848, was celebrated the 
marriage of Mr. Wood and Miss Mary Peacock, a 
native of Herkimer County, N. Y., and a daugh- 
ter of James and Harriet Peacock. By their union 
were born four children, two yet living: William 
H., born February 17, 1852, and Mary A. De- 
cember 17, 1S55. Those deceased are, Harriet, 
who was born October 19, 1849, and Charles R. 
June 7, 1854. The mother of this family died 
March 4, 1890, and Mr. Wood was again mar- 
ried, on the 6th of August, 1893, the lady of his 
choice being Mrs. Olive ( Pickett) Lane, a daugh- 
ter of Armiue and Anna (Nickerson) Pickett, 
both of whom were natives of Broome Count}-, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



370 

N. V. lunigraliiiK westward to the Territory of 
Wisconsin, tlit-y settled in Jefferson County in the 
fall of 1.S40, and were among its pioneers. Seven 
years later they removed to Winnebago County, 
where their remaining years were passed. 

In politics, Mr. Wootl has always been a stal- 
wart Republican since the organization of the 
party, and was a pronounced Al)olitionist wlien 
there were but five .sympathizers with the cau.se in 
Lake Mills Township. lie has held a number of 



local offices, including those of Treasurer and 
Supervisor, and the proinjit and able manner in 
which he has ever dischargeil his duties has won 
him a high reputation as a capable official. About 
ten years ago he left the faruj and renuned to 
Lake Mills, where he jiurcha.sed property, and is 
now .spending his declining years in retirement 
from active business labor. He well deserves the 
rest which he now enjoys, for his life has been a 
busy and useful one. 



GEORGK S. CRISWOLI). 



f^ I'A )RC.l'; S. GRISW( )LI) was for many years 
l_ a ])rominent and highly resjKcted citizen of 
[^ Lake Mills. A native of New York, he was 
born in Stafford, on the 15th of August, 1828. 
and was a .son of Stephen and Permelia (Rumsey) 
Griswold. Kor many years he was one of the 
oldest and best business men residing in Lake 
Mills, and for a long lime was connected with a 
large manufacturing jilant, which became the 
leading industry and was the life of this place. 
He aided in the organization of the company, and 
owned a third interest in the stock. Later he 
engaged with I). G. Fraser and his .son, F'red M., 
in founding and maintaining one of the largest 
agricultural-implement, wagon and carriage es- 
tablishments in this .section of the State. He was 
always honoralile and straightforward in liis deal- 
ings, and the hundreds of customers with whom 
he was brought in contact will ever hold him in 
high esteem. 

Mr. Griswold was often called upon to fill posi- 
tions of honor and tru.st, and was ever a favorite 
with the jieoplc. The ma.sses admired his con 
.servatism, and knew that he would be even more 
cautious with public funds than with his own. 
I le believed that "a public office is a public trust, ' ' 
and no one ever accused him of being false to his 



Ijelief. He .served repeatedly on the Town lioard 
of Supervisors, and was for about eighteen years 
an efficient and capable member of the School 
Board. He served in that capacity from 1852 to 
1853, for three years during the '60s, and was 
again made a member in 1S78, from which time 
he served until his death. He manifested a great 
deal of pride in having the .schools a success, and 
was ever solicitous that none but first-class in- 
structors should l)e employed. As a token of the 
high appreciation of his efforts in this direction, 
all the departments of the school were clo.se<l upon 
the day of the funeral, and the flag hung at half- 
mast over the .school buildings, while teachers 
and ]ni])ils attended the funeral service in a body. 
Mr. Griswold was interested in all that per- 
tained to the upbuilding and welfare of the com- 
munity in which he resided during the major 
jiart of his long and eventful career. He was al- 
ways a regular attendant on church ser\-ices, and 
gave liberally to the support of the church. He 
responded generously to all calls of charity and 
benevolence, and no worthy one in need ever ap- 
l)ealed in vain to him for assistance. Although 
not a member of the Methodist ICpisco])al Church, 
he was for many years one of its Tru.stees and its 
Treasurer. Socially, he was coiuiected with Sag- 



f 

»» 



.tf 




Ri-V. V. W. Mii.i.AK 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 



373 



ola Lodge, I. O. O. F., was an active worker in 
its interest, and took a prominent part in bringing 
it up to its present high standard. For many 
years he held the most important office in the 
lodge, that of Permanent Secretary. 

That Mr. Griswold was a highly esteemed cit- 
izen is well known to every one. fortunate enough 
to have formed his acquaintance. It has been 
repeatedly said that he did not have an enemy, 



and that all who knew him were his friends. He 
had decided opinions on all questions, moral and 
political, yet believed others could be hone.st and 
entertain different opinions from his. Thus it 
was that people who held radically different views 
on political, moral or religious questions were 
his friends, and were always ready to support 
him in public stations and patronize him in 
business. 



REV. FREDERICK W. MIELAR 



REV. FREDERICK W. MILLAR is pas- 
tor of the First Universali.st Church of While- 
water. His life has been an exemplary one, 
and throughout the community in which he 
lives he is spoken of only in terms of highest 
praise. He was born September 30, i860, in the 
city of Montreal, Canada, and is a son of James 
and Caroline Grant (Robinson) Millar, the former 
a native of Scotland, and the latter of England. 
Having emigrated to the New World, the father 
for over thirty years was engaged in business as 
a wholesale and retail grocer of Montreal. He is 
.still living in Canada, and on the 6th of March, 
1894, he was called upon to mourn the loss of his 
wife, who pa.ssed away at the age of fifty-nine 
years. Eight children were born to that worthy 
couple, of whom six are yet living. Only two of 
the number are residents of the United States: 
William, who is engaged in the telephone business 
in New York City; and our subject. Those in 
Canada are James, a prominent and successful 
business man of Montreal; Ivan, who is study- 
ing for the ministry; and Caroline and Anna, who 
are engaged in the music trade in Montreal. Two 
of the family died in childhood. 

Mr. Millar whose name heads this record was 
educated in the common .schoolsof his native city, 
and in Chri.stian Brothers' College near by, pass- 



ing the French and English examinations. He 
fitted him.self for the ministry in the Grande Eigne 
College, near St. John's, in the province of Que- 
bec, Canada, and then went as missionary to the 
Frer.ch-Canadians, being sent out by the Bapti.st 
Church. For three years, he labored in the town- 
ship of Ely, in the province of Quebec, and was 
then placed in charge of an English-speaking 
church, witli which he continued for six years. 
During that time he became acquainted with and 
embraced the teachings of the Univcrsalist Church, 
and was received into its fellowship. Many of 
his parishioners also joined the .same church, and 
he continued in the town of Hatley for some ye%rs 
longer. He was very .successful in that place, 
built up a large congregation, and established a 
very flourishing church. At the same time he 
held meetings at various places in the locality, 
and managed large grove meetings at Willoughb)- 
Lake and Lindonville, Vt. , and at Massawippi 
Lake, in the province of Quebec. These meetings 
were very largely attended, and he accomplished 
much good. 

The Rev. Mr. Millar also takes a prominent part 
in temperance work, having ever been a warm ad- 
vocate of temperance principles. In whatever 
direction he can he labors to elevate and uplift 
humanitv, and the entire results of his work will 



374 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



never Ix; known on earth. For two \ears he served 
as pastor of the Universalist Chnrch in Glover, 
Vt., and was again very snccessfnl in his lalK)rs. 
He then came to Wisconsin, npon the invitation 
of the Secretary of the Wisconsin Convention of 
ITniversalists, and in the fall of 1891 was jilaced 
in charge of a congregation in Whitewater, where 
he has since remained. He has gained the 
warm affections of the iK-ople, is highly re- 
si>ectetl, and is very jxjpnlar with all cla.s.ses. His 



.sermons are vigorous in style, and give evidence 
of clo.se research, carefnl tlionght and consecration 
of .self to his work. Contrary to the general views 
concerning ministers, he is a man of excellent 
business (lualifications, which are constantly in de- 
mand. Among his other duties he is frei|ueiitly 
called Ui)on to look after estates, for the i>e<>]>le trust 
him, and in every wa\ he is worthy of their high 
regard. 



ASA i-c)sri:R. 



Gl S.\ l'X),S'riU<, a retired fanner, now living 
1_| on section 1 1, Sugar Creek Township, is one 
/ I of the .self-made men of Walworth County, 
and through industry, enteri)rise and {x-rsever- 
ance has steadily worked his way upward from 
a IniniWe jwsition to one of affluence. As he is 
widely and favorably known in this connnnnity, 
we feel assured that the record of his life will 
prove of interest to many of our readers. He was 
t)orn May 23, 1830, in East Fairfield, Franklin 
County, V't., and lived in the .same school di.strict 
in which President Arthur was born and reared. 
His father, Nathaniel Foster, was born in Ma.ssa- 
cliusetts in 1782, and was of Fhigli.sh descent. 
During his childhood he removed to the Green 
Mountain State, and was there, in 1809, united in 
marriage with Mi.ss Sallie Leach, a lady of Scotch 
lineage. Thirteen children were born of their 
union, namely: James, Nelson, Daniel and Susan, 
all of whom are decea.sed and were buried in the 
old family graveyard in Vermont; Orrissa, wife 
of Henry Wilcox, of North Adams, Mich.; Alan- 
.son, who is living in Sauk Center, Minn.; Susan, 
who died and was laid to rest in the family bury- 
ing-ground; Marcia, wife of Martin Urindlc, of 
Fairfield, \'t. : Phfebe, wife of Lyman Newton, 
who is living on the old homestead in llie Green 



Mountain Slate; Jay, of Peck's Station, Walworth 
County; A.sa, of this sketch; and David, who 
died in the army and was buried in the family 
cemetery, as was also Ann. The grandfather of 
our subject was one of the heroes of the Revolu- 
tion, and the father served in the War of 1812. 

A.sa Fo.ster acquired his education in the ])ub- 
lic .schools of his native State and remained at 
home until 1850, when, at the age of twenty, he 
started westward, traveling through Toledo, Ohio, 
where he landed with S4 in his jHR-ket and six- 
teen pounds of clothes in a bag, and on through 
Indiana and Illinois until he reached Wisconsin, 
having made the journey of more than a thou.-^and 
miles on foot. Sub-seciuently he returned toOhit), 
where he remained about nineteen months, after 
which he went back to \'ermont, where he re- 
mained two years. On the expiration of that 
period he again came to the Badger State, locat- 
ing in Sugar Creek Township. He made the 
journey by way of the Great Lakes to Chicago, 
and thence by team to his destination. Here he 
purchased forty acres of marsh land, but .soon 
added to it tracts of good prairie land, and for 
some years he engaged quite extensiveh' in buy- 
ing and .selling real estate. 

On the 23d of September, 1858, Mr, Foster 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



375 



married Miss Clarinda L- Tibbits, daughter of 
Samuel H. and Sallie P. Tibbits, who were of 
English and German descent, respectively. By 
their union were born five children. Sarah E., 
born April 20, 1861, is the wife of Charles Nott, 
of La Grange Center; William T., born Novem- 
ber 15, 1863, died September 12, 1865; Jennie, 
born November 25, 1S69, is the wife of Charles 
Mosher; Samuel T. was married May 24, 1893, 
to Miss Mamie Fountain, and is now living on 
the old homestead with his father. They have 
one child, William Asa. 

The mother of this family died suddenly of 
lieart trouble July 4, 1892, and was buried in Mt. 
Pleasant Cemetery in Sugar Creek Town.ship. 
She was a woman of superior ability, possessed of 
a suimy and cheerful disposition, and her death 
was mourned not only by her husband and chil- 
dren, but by the entire comnuuiit)-. She held 
membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and her life was in harmony with her professions. 
The poor and needy found in her a friend, and 



her charitable and benevolent spirit prompted her 
to many acts of kindness. 

Throughout his active business career, Mr. 
Foster followed farming, and was one of the most 
successful agriculturists of Walworth County. 
He has recently given to his children land to the 
value of $12,000, and still retains possession of 
two hundred and sixty acres. He has a pleasant 
and attractive home on section 1 1 , where he is 
now si:)ending his declining j-ears in retirement 
from active labor, enjoying the rest which he has so 
truly earned and richly deserves. He, too, is a faith- 
ful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and has lived an honorable, upright life, well 
worthy of emulation. He votes with the Repub- 
lican party and has served his township as a mem- 
ber of the Board of Supervisors for several terms. 
He has also held the office of President of the Ag- 
ricultural Society of Walworth County, and is 
a broad-minded and public-spirited gentleman, 
warm-hearted and genial in disposition. 



WILLIAM R. BONHAM. 



IILLIAM R. BONHAM, a representative 
farmer of Walworth County, who owns and 
operates eight}' acres of good land on section 
28, Walworth Township, claims New Jersey as the 
State of his nativity. He was born on the 14th 
of June, 185 1, in Cumberland County, and is the 
second in order of birth in a family of four chil- 
dren, whose parents were Daniel B. and Sarah 
A. (Bowen) Bonham. His father was born in 
Cumberland County, and was a farmer by occu- 
pation. He carried on agricultural pursuits in the 
East until 1866, when he disposed of his old home 
and came to Wisconsin, locating on a farm in 
Walworth Township, where he spent his remain- 



ing days. He held membership with the Bap- 
tist Church, and lived an honorable, upright life. 
His death occurred at the age of fifty-six. The 
Bonham family is of Scotch extraction. The 
mother of our subject was also born in Cumber- 
land County, N. J., and was of English descent. 
Her death occurred in Kansas in 1885, at the age 
of sixty-two years. 

No event of special importance occurred dur- 
ing the boyhood and youth of our subject, which 
were passed upon the home farm. Through the 
winter months he attended the public schools, 
and in the summer seasons aided in the labors of 
the field. He remained with his parents until he 



376 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



lia'l all;iini.(l his iiiajt)rily, and then k-lt ImiiR-, dcvolcil his tiiiiL- ainl (.-iiergies to its cultivation, 

spending two years in Michigan, Ncljraska and It is now well improved and is neat and thrifty 

other Western States. in ai)pearance. 

Mr. Honhani was niarrietl on tlie 23d of Sep- Mr. Honhani is a nteniher of the Seventh-Day 

tcnd)er, 1.S75, to Mi.ss Loui.sa A. Coon, of Wal- Haptist Church, is serving as Deacon and Trus- 

worth Township, a most estimable lady, who has tee, and takes an active interest in church and 

been to him a faithful companion and helpmate charitable work. The cause of temperance has 

on lifes journey. They have no children of their always found in him a friend, and he votes with 

own,' but have adopted a son, James A. the Prohibition jiarty, which embotlies his views 

Vpim his marriage, Mr. Honham Ix-gan ciilli- on that ijucstion. He served as Clerk of the 

vating his father's farm, which he rented for a .School District, but has never .sought or desired 

time, after which he turned his attention to paint ])olitical preferment. In coiuiection with his 

ing, which trade he followed in the village of other business interests, he is now Secretary and 

Walworth until 1SS9. In that year he purchased Treasurer of the Creamery Company of Walworth 

eighty acres of land on section 28, Walworth Town.ship. 
Township, and, removing to his farm, has since 



Ri:\' JOHN (;. mi:kkiam. 



Ri;\\ JOHN V,. Ml'iKRlA.M, of Lake Mills, 
was born in Paris, Oneida County, X. Y., 
.'-;el)leniber 29, 1.S07, and is a .son of John 
and Lncinda (Goodsell) Merriam, lK)tli of whom 
were natives of Connecticut, and in that State 
were reared and married. About the year 1802, 
the family removed to (Jneida County, N. Y., lo- 
cating on a farm. The country was new, and the 
land had to undergo the improvements necessary 
to establish a home, entailing much hard work 
and many privations. Here the family lived a 
nunilier of years and .succeeded in making .some 
substantial improvements, including a good hew- 
ed-log house, outbuildings, etc. Through some 
flaw in the title, however, the home and farm 
were lost, together with everything that had been 
paid thereon, and in 1828 they were obliged to 
seek a home elsewhere. They removed to Os- 
wego County, N. Y., and began life again. 
There the parents .si)ent their remaining days. 
In their family were five sons and one daugh- 



ter, n:iniel\ : Cliailes, Julin ('■., Tiiomas, tieorge, 
William and I.ucinda .\. Of thesj children only 
two are now living, John G. and Thomas. 
Charles married Hannah Beiniett, l-.cated near 
•Syracuse, N. Y., and became a successful farmer 
of that localitv, where he made his home until 
his death. Thomas married, and in an early day 
removed t(j Michigan, his home now being in 
Adrian, in that .State. George spent his entire 
lifet)n the okl hoine.steatl, and his widow, who 
survives hitn, now lives in O.swego, N. Y. Will- 
iam married Lavina Wright, and renio\cd to 
Iowa, where upon a farm tlieir remaining days 
were pa.s.sed. Lucinda A. was married, and .spent 
her entire life in Oswego C(mnty, N. Y. 

The subject of this sketch was reared in his 
nati\e county on a farm, and as he was obliged to 
work early and late in the fields, his educational 
privileges were necessarily limited. When sev- 
enteen years of age, he learned the shoemaker's 
trade, which he followed until he attained his ma- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



377 



jority. The family then removed to Oswego, and 
for three years he assisted his father on the farm. 
He then began shoeniaking in the town of Vol- 
ney, N. Y., and carried on that business snccess- 
fnlly for aliout five years, after which he spent a 
short time along that line in Fulton, N. Y. He 
then located in Mexico, N. Y., where he formed 
a partnership and established a tanning business. 
In those days, according to law, it was nec- 
e.ssar)' to organize and maintain militia companies 
throughout the State, and for a number of years 
Mr. Merriam took an active part in this work. 
He filled \'arious positions in the military' service, 
and at one time hehl the commis.sion of First 
Lieutenant. He also trained as Major, receiving 
the appointment from the Colonel. 

In 1839, in company with his wife and one 
child, Mr. Merriam emigrated to WM.sconsin, ar- 
riving in Milford, Jefferson County, on the 3d 
of October. He purchased a small farm of forty 
acres adjoining that town and there began farm- 
ing. He well remembers his first winter in the 
Badger State. Three families lived in a log 
house, 18x24 feet, and in addition boarded the 
school teacher, while Mr. Merriam had a portion 
of one room in which to carrj- on shoemaking. 
Nevertheless, it was a happy family, and many 
long pleasant winter evenings were thus passed. 
During the winter, Mr. Merriam made prepara- 
tions for the building of a liou.sc of his own , and in 
the following .spring began its erection. For 
about ten years he carried on farming and worked 
at his trade near Milford. He con.siders those 
pioneer days the happiest of his life, although they 
were days of hard work, exposure and jiriva- 
tion. 

At length Mr. Merriam sold his interests in 
Milford and came to Lake Mills, where he engag- 
ed in the boot and shoe business, which he carried 
on successfully for a number of }'ears, giving em- 
ployment to six men. He later sold out, and in 
1S61 went to Ft. Atkin.son, where he resided un- 
til 1884, carrying on an extensive boot and shoe 
trade for several years. Since 1884 he has made 
his home in Lake Mills, and although now nearly 
eighty-seven years of age continues to work at his 
trade dailj', more from force of habit than neces- 



sity', as he is now in comfortable circum.stances, 
although he has not acquired any large amount 
of property. He has had a long and active ca- 
reer, and while he has followed many occupations 
he has always been equal to the necessities of the 
moment. He has experienced the hard times at- 
tendant upon financial panics and disa.ster, where 
the mo.st rigid economy was necessary, has 
passed through business reverses, but through all 
and above all he has lived to the ripe age of over 
eighty-six years with health and mind unim- 
paired. It is hoped that he is still destined to 
man}- more years of usefulness. 

Owing to his great generosity and pronounced 
love for humanity, Mr. Merriam has not acquired 
as nnich of this world's goods as might have been 
the case were he otherwi.se constituted, but he is 
far richer in the thought that he has never failed 
in his duty to man, no matter what the circum- 
stances. Manj- are the songs of praise that arise 
from the homes of the widow, the orphan and the 
poor who ha\'e received generous bounty at his 
hands; thus has he become loved, honored and 
respected by all. In religious affairs he has been 
a most active worker for more than sixtj' years, 
and gave ten of the best years of his life to the 
spreading of the Gospel throughout this .section of 
the country. In the Master's vineyard he has 
been an earnest laborer, having for forty years 
been an ordained minister and Elder in the Meth- 
odist Church. 

Mr. Merriam was married in July, 1830, to 
Sarah M. Dntcher, a native of Litchfield, Herki 
mer County, N. Y., and a daughter of Rev. 
James and Ruth (Ross) Dutcher, the former of 
English descent and the latter of vScotch lineage. 
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Merriam were born eight 
children: Althea, who died at the age of three 
years; Alvina, wife of George S. Griswold; and 
Sarah A., who became the wife of Emery Nash 
and died in Ft. Atkinson. The mother of this 
family was called to her final rest Jainiary 4, 
1S92, at the age of eighty-one years. 

In politics, Mr. Merriam was original!}- a Dem- 
ocrat, but became a strong Abolitionist, and in 
the fall of 1854 was elected to the State Legisla- 
ture on the Free-Soil ticket, which also had the 



378 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



support of the temperance party. It was an 
honor tx)nferred unsohcited, and his nomination 
was secured, although he was op]K>seil by strong 
candidates. In JcfTerson County he has also oft- 
en Ijeen called uixm to fill official jxjsitions of 



trust, having been Chainnan of the Board of Su- 
]KTA-isors, while for many years he has filled many 
minor offices. lie has long been an ardent ad- 
vocate of temperance principles, and his sympa- 
thies are now with the Prohibition party. 



MAR 11 X Li: GRAND PIPl-R. 



y^.\RTlX Lk GRAND PII'ICR, who is scr^-- 
y iiig as Clerk of the Courts of JeiTerson 
(^ County, and now makes his home in JefTer" 
son, claims W'iscon.siu as the State of his nali\it\-, 
his birth having occurred at Piper.sville on the 
17th of October, 1852. His parents were Jona- 
than and Janet (Rathborn) Piper, who were 
married on the bank of Skaneateles Lake, in New 
York. The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
one of the henx-s of the Revolutionary War, and 
during that struggle served as Major in the mil- 
itia of New Hampshire. His professional life 
was that of a teacher, and he was a well-educated 
man. 

Jonathan Piper was a native of New Hamp- 
shire, and (luring his youth iK-came familiar with 
merchandising, for between the ages of tweh'e 
and twenty years he served as a salesman in the 
store of John P'alsom. When he started out in 
life for himself he determined to .seek a home in 
the West, thinking it afforded better o]i])ortunities 
for the advancement of an ambitious young man. 
The year 1847 witnessed hisarrival in Wi.sconsin. 
and saw him located in the town of Ixonia, which 
subseipiently, through his instrumentality, became 
Pipersville. He built the first store, and e.stab- 
li.shed the po.stoffice at that place, and there re- 
mained for many years, its most prominent and i>ro- 
gressive citizen. For a long time he was engaged 
e.xclusively in merchandising, but afterwards, in 
addition to this, estal)lishe(i and (>i)erated a saw 
and grist mill. He became a niemln.i of tin- (irni 



known as the Piper, Gibb & Seaton Company, 
and under this name they carrie<l on busines.s for 
manv years. In iS7othe style was changed to 
I'iper, (libh & Co., the mend)crs of the firm Ite- 
ing Jonathan Piper, Mr. Ciibb. and I'Vank \'. 
and Asa Piper. In 1.SS2 the entire plant was 
burned to the ground, and they sufTered a very 
.severe loss. Subsequently, they .sold out their 
water jiower to the Fathers of that district. 

Previous to his milling investment, Mr. Piper 
was for some time engaged in the manufacture of 
saleratus. He has always been prominently iden- 
tified with the growth and develoj)meiit of the .so- 
cial, commercial and political interests of this lo- 
cality, and has done much for its upbuilding and 
development. He has also been fre<iuent!v called 
upon to .serve in positions of public trust: he 
was County Coinmis.sioner, Townshiji Supervisor, 
and in 1X65 was sent to the Legislature from 
this distri'.l, without opposition. He is a .stal- 
wart advocate of the Democratic party, and has 
always jiroved himself a worthy apostle of its 
]>riiiciples. He is very widely known in this lo- 
cality, being a man of more than local ]irominence. 

Mr. Piper who.se name heads this record was 
reared to niaidiood- in the countj' of his nativity, 
and at an early age became familiar with business 
ways and methods in his father's store, where he 
began clerking in his youth. He acquired a 
good education in the public schools, and sujiple- 
mented it b\' one term's attendance at the North- 
western I'liixersity of W'atertown, and also by 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



379 



studj' ill the Iowa State University. He after- 
wards engaged in teaching school for some time, 
and proved a capable instructor. 

In 1877, in Madison, Wis., Mr. Piper was 
united in marriage with Miss Lucretia Oliver, a 
native of Farmington, Wis., and a daughter of 
Daniel and Grace (Cory) Oliver, both of whom 
were natives of England. Two children were 
born of this union, but the elder, Arthur A., 
died in Pipersville when about three years of age. 
The second .son, Irving L.e Grand, is still with 
his parents. 

Mr. Piper served as Postmaster of Farmington 
for the long period of eleven years, and during 
that entire time was al.so engaged in general mer- 



chandising. He was also Justice of the Peace for 
man}' years, for two years was Town Clerk, for 
three years served as Chairman of the Town 
Board, and was a member of the County Board of 
Supervisors. In 1S90 he was elected to his pres- 
ent office, and so acceptably did he fill the same 
that in the fall of 1,892 he was again elected. He 
belongs to the Odd Fellows' lodge and to the En- 
campment, and has .several times represented the 
local organization in the Grand Eodge. All who 
know him esteem him higlilj' for his sterling 
worth and strict integrity, and his many excellen- 
cies of character have gained for him the high re- 
gard of all with whom he has been brought in 
contact. 



JOSEPH BOWMAN. 



JOSEPH BOWMAN, decea.sed, was born in 
I Alsace, Germany, December 10, 1813, and 
G/ was one of a familj' of .seven children, four 
sons and three daughters. Only two of the num- 
ber, however, are now living: Catherine, wife of 
Theodore ByhoflFer, a re.sident of Glencoe, Minn.; 
and Barbara, widow of Frederick King, a resi- 
dent of Racine, Wis. The parents of this family, 
Martin and Catherine Bowman, were both natives 
of German}-, and the father was a shoemaker bj- 
trade. In 1826 he bade adieu to home and friends 
and, accompanied b)- his familj', sailed for the 
New World. Locating near Buffalo, N. Y., he 
there spent his remaining days, and died at an 
advanced age. 

Joseph Bowman was a self-made man, and 
whatever success he attained in life was due en- 
tirel}- to his own efforts. From an early age he 
earned his own livelihood, for it was during his 
boyhood that he was bound out to a merchant 
and potash manufacturer. On attaining his nia- 
joritj' he left the Empire State, and removed to 



Ohio, locating near Mas.sillon, where he made his 
home from 1836 until 1839. The latter year wit- 
nessed his arrival in the Territory of Wisconsin. 
He settled on a farm in La Fa}'ette Town.ship, 
Walworth County, three and a-half miles from 
the village of Ea.st Troy, there purchasing a farm 
of eighty acres. He then returned to Ohio, and 
completed his arrangements for a home bj- his 
marriage with Miss Anna Spangler, daughter of 
Daniel and Maria Spangler. The wedding was 
celebrated near Lancaster, and in 1841 he 
brought his young wife to the Badger State, lo- 
cating upon his farm. In the mean time, how- 
ever, he had purchased an additional eightj'-acre- 
tract adjoining the eighty he alread)' owned. His 
time and attention he at once gave to the devel- 
opment and cultivation of his land. He made 
many excellent improvements thereon, and as 
time passed it became one of the finest conntr\- 
homes in this section. Mr. Bowman continued 
farming with good success until 18S1, when lip 
laid aside business cares and removed to the vil- 



38o 



PORTRAIT AND IJIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



lage of Kast Troy, where he bought a comfort- liberally to its support, and did all in his power 

able home. There he lived retired, resting in toward the advancement of the cause. In politics, 

the enjoyment of tile fruits of his former toil. In he was a Re]>ul)lican, and for some years ser\-e<l 

1886 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his as School Treasurer. The best interests of the 

wife, who passetl away on the 20th of July, at the community ever found in him a friend, and his 

atje of sixty-four years. His death occurred on own upright and honorable life was an example 

the 2()th of Novend)er, 1893, at the lipe old age for those around. One of the i)ioneer .settlers of 

of .seventy -seven. Walworth Count)-, he witnes.sed almost its entire 

Hotli Mr. and Mrs. Howman were nienibers of growth and develo])nient, and in his death the 

the Congregalionid Church, and Mr. Hownian conununit\- felt it had lost one of its Inrst and most 

.served as its Deacon for a innnber of years. He valued citizens, 
took an active i>art in church work, contributed 



VAKXl'M ARXOI.I). 



P)ARNUM ARXOIJ), a well-known farmer 
\ / residing on .section 32, Richmond Townslii]), 
Y Walworth County, claims New York as the 
State of his nativity, his birth having occurred in 
Cayuga County on the iSth of January, 1819. 
He is the second in order of birth in a family of 
leu children, four sons and six daughters, and is 
of linglish descent. His parents, Joseph and 
Susanna Arnold, were l)oth natives of Rhode 
Island. Our subject was reared on a farm in 
New York, and acfpiired a good education in 
Cirover Hill, Cayuga County. Later, he engaged 
in teaching for three winters in \'enice, X. \'., 
;uid proved a successful educator. 

On the 22(1 of January, 1845, Mr. Arnold was 
united in marriage with Miss Julia A. IJutts, the 
wedding being celebrated in the city of Auburn, 
where the lady was born. She was a daughter 
of Dennison and Lucy Hutts, and was educated 
in Rome, N. Y. In the spring succeeding their 
marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Arnold, following the 
course of emigration, which was steadily drifting 
westward, took up their residence in the Terri- 
tory of Wisconsin. They settled upon a farm on 
section 32, kiilmiond Townshi]). WalwoiUi 



County, where for forty-nine years they have 
made their home. They have no children of 
their own, but out of the kindness of their hearts 
have given homes to four adopted children, 
namely: Lavina Moore, who is now the wife of 
Thompson Cameron, a resident of California; 
Delberl Taylor, who is living in Darien Town- 
ship: and Abigail ami Willard I'tley. who are 
still on the farm. 

On his arrival in the West, Mr. Arnold, with 
characteristic energy, began the dcvelo])ment of a 
farm, and in course of time well-tilled fields look 
the pl.ice of the once wild and barren prairie, and 
his ijrojx'rty became one of the best improved 
farms of the comnuuiilv. He now owns six hun- 
dred and twenty acres of valuable land, under a 
high slate of cultivation and improved with all 
the accessories and conveniences which go to 
make up a model farm. The home is a pleasant 
and connnodious residence, supplied with all the 
comforts and many of the luxuries of life. Mr. 
Arnold has always carried on agricultural pur- 
suits, and is regarded as one of the most succe.s.s- 
ful farmers of the State. 

I )nr subject has never l)een an oflice-seeker, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



381 



but has ser\-ed his fellow-townsmen in various 

positions of public trust. He was Assessor of the 
town for six years, was for three terms Chairman 
of the Board of Supervisors, and has also been 
School Superintendent. He has always been 
identified with the Republican party, and is a 
warm advocate of its jirinciples. The cause of 
education finds in him a faithful friend, and he 
does effective service in behalf of all worthy en- 
terpri.scs calculated to prove of benefit to the coni- 
nuniily. He and his wife are numbered among 
the honored pioneers of the county, for nearl\- half 
a century has passed since they located here. 
They have seen the changes which have trans- 
formed this locality from a wilderness to a land of 
wealth and beauty. In 1S92, anticipating what 
an important event the World's Fair would be, 
they purchased lots in Austin, a suburb of Chi- 



cago, and built thereon a pleasant cottage, to 
whicli they removed early in 1893, that they 
might have a home near the Fair for themselves, 
and also for the entertainment of their many 
friends who would visit the lixposition. The 
hosjMtable doors of that residence were ever open, 
and they were \isited by people from nearly ev- 
ery State in the Union. When the Fair was 
o\'er they returned to their old home in Rich- 
mond Town.ship, where they are living quiet, re- 
tired lives. Noble and generous deeds have 
I)rought to them the love of many, and their char- 
ity and benevolence have aided scores of people 
in need of assi.stance. Quietly and unostenta- 
tiously are their worthy actions performed, for 
they care not for the praise and commendation of 
the public. 



OTTO F. STOPPENBACH. 



0TTO F. STOPPENBACH, a prominent and 
highly respected citizen of Jeffer.son County, 
has been closely coiniected for man\- years 
with the leading interests of the community. A 
native of Prussia, he was born in the city of Coin, 
on the 20th of August, 1842, and is a son of Jos- 
eph and Maria Anna ( Stockhausen ) Stoppen- 
bach. The father was a Notary Public, the du- 
ties of that office in Germany being much more 
extensive than in this coiuitry, there being but 
two Notaries in the city where he made his home. 
He. was married in his native land, and in 1848 
he came to the United vStates. Having suffered 
some severe financial reverses, he determined to 
retrieve if possible his lost po.sses,sions in the New 
World. Relocated in Watertown, Wis., where 
he engaged in the distillery business, and in 1S55 
he came to Jefferson, where he accepted a posi- 
tion as Deputj- in the office of the Register of Deeds, 



under his son Charles. In 1S62 he was elected 
to that office, and filled the position for two years, 
during which time he completed a set of alislract 
books for the county. When his term as Regis- 
ter had expired, he embarked in the ab.stract 
and title business, which he continued up to the 
time of his death, which occurred in 1884, at the 
ripe old age of eightj'-four years and five months. 
He always took an active part in public affairs, 
especially in everything connected with the de- 
velopment and upbuilding of the connuunity. 
He was also quite prominent in politics, and was 
a memlier of the Masonic fraternity. He was fol- 
lowed to the grave by many local societies of 
which he had been a member, and his loss was 
deeply mourned in this comnuuiity. 

The subject of this .sketch grew to manhood in 
Jefferson Comity, and acquired a good education 
in its public schools. He was only about six 



382 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



years of age when the family came to this place, both widely and favorably known in this locality. 
In i860 he removed ti) W'aiipun, where he en- Mr. Stoppenbach is a niemljer of the Masonic 
iija.tjed in the insurance business for many years, fraternity, and has been called u]M>n to ser\'e his 
and in that undertakini; he met with good sncotss. fellow-townsmen in various official positions, the 
In 1880 he returned to Jefferson (where he has duties of which he has discharged with prompt- 
since made his home), and here he also engaged in ness and fidelitv. Almost his entire life has here 



the insurance business. 

Mr. StopiJenbach was united in marriage in 
Ft. Atkinson, Wis., with Miss Kli/abeth Oliver, 
a daughter of George Oliver, who was born in 
ICngland. Thev have a pleasant home, and are 



been i)as.se<l, and those who have known him 
from lx)yhood are numbered among his stanchest 
friends, a fact which indicates that his career has 
lieen an honoral)le and upright one. 



I- RANK I'OOTE. 



PTRANK FOOTK. a jeweler of Lake Mills, be- 
Iw gan busine.ss in this place in 1S76, establish- 
I ing the first jewelrv store of the ]>lace. He 
has since successfully carried on trade abjiig this 
line, and receives from the jiulilic a libera! and 
well-deserved j>atronnge. His slock is valued at 
$i5,cxxD, and he does an annual business amount- 
ing to about $4,000. Mr. b'oote was born in 
Owassc), Mich., on the 1 7II1 of February, 1845, 
and is a son of l'hili]i and Mary A. (Mapes) 
Footc, both of wlinin were natives of Lockport, 
N. Y., from whence they emigrated to Michigan 
in 1836. The father was a miller by trade, and 
followed that occupation until about ten years 
since, when he retired from active business life. 
He was called to the home beyond in February, 
1893, and his wife pa.ssed away in 1S86. 

Mr. l-'oote of this sketch was a child of onl\- 
two sunnners when, with his faniil\-, he came to 
W'isconsin, the family lx>ing j)ioneers of Walworth 
County, lender the parental roof he was reared 
to manhood, and in the public schools of Iv.-ist 
Troy acquired his education. He remained at 
home until sixteen years of age, when, on the 
coinitry's call for troo])s to aid in crushing out 
the rebellion, he enlisted, in Septeml)er, 1861, be- 



coming a member of Coinpan\- I, Tliirleentli Wis- 
consin Infantr> . He was then in continuous 
service until after the close of the war, Ijeing 
honorably discharged in Decendjcr, 1865. He 
took part in several important engagements, and 
was alwa>s found at his \xtsl of duty, faithfully 
defending the Stars and Stripes, which now float 
triumphantly over the united nation. 

When he again returned to Wisconsin, Mr. 
F'oote came to Lake Mills, and from 1866 initil 
1876 was engaged in blacksmithing. He was an 
exjjert workman, and did a successful Inisincss, 
receiving from the jjublic a lii)eral patronage. He 
then established a jewelry store, which he yet 
carries on. 

In 1866, Mr. Foote was united in marriage 
will) Miss Mary IJ. Millard, a native of Lake Mills, 
whose death occurred on the 25th of March, 1890. 
On the 3d of DecendxT, 1891, Mr. F'oote vas 
again married, his second union being with Miss 
riiena J. Green, a nati\c of .Minnesota. Mr. 
I-'oole is a member of the Independent Onler of 
Odd Fellows and the Grand Army of the Repub- 
lic, and has filled all the offices in Iwlh societies. 
In politics, he is a stalwart kepidjlican. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



383 



ARTHUR W. GREENWOOD. 



GJRTHUR W. GREENWOOD, who is now 
LI living in Lake Mills, was born in the town 
/ I of Milford, Jefferson County, on the 6th of 
Februarj', 1862. He is a son of Charles F. and 
Caroline (Cummings) Greenwood, who are men- 
tioned elsewhere in this work. In the usual man- 
ner of farmer lads he was reared to manhood, 
spending the days of his boyhood and j'outh in 
work in the fields or in attendance at the district 
schools of the neighborhood, where he acquired 
his primary education. His advantages in this 
direction were afterward supplemented bj' a course 
in a busine.ss college at Detroit, Mich. He then 
became book-keeper for a firm in Detroit, holding 
the position for about six months, after which he 
went to Chicago, where he was employed in a 
similar manner for another .six months. He then 
spent a half-3'ear abi'oad, visiting many points of 
beauty and interest in England. 

On his return to his native land, Mr. Green- 
wood came to Lake Mills, where, in company with 



his brother, C. F. Greenwood, he establi.shed 
the private bank of Greenwood Bros, in 18S3. 
Busine.ss was carried on under that style for about 
ten years, when, in 1893, the busine.ss was incor- 
porated as the Gretnwood State Bank, with C. F. 
Greenwood as President, and our subject as Cash- 
ier. The latter has passed his entire life in Jef- 
ferson County, and is widely and favorably' known 
in bu.siness and .social circles. He is a j'oung 
man of excellent busine.ss and executive ability, 
and his sagacitj' and enterprise have made him 
very .successful. 

In 1887, Mr. Greenwood was united in mar- 
riage with Mary C. Stone, a native of Oshkosh, 
Wis., and to them have been born two children, 
Robert C. and Arthur S. Our subject is a mem- 
ber of the Odd Fellows' Societ)-, and in politics is 
a supporter of the men and measures of the Re- 
publican party. He has .served for one term as 
Treasurer of Lake Mills. 



J. M. GANNON. 



n M. GANNON is one of the well-known and 
I substantial busine.ss men of Jefferson, now 
(2/ engaged in the milling business as a member 
of the firm of Winterling & Gannon. He claims 
New York as the State of his nativity, his birth 
having occurred in Poughkeepsie, on the i.st of 



August, 1850. He is a .son of Owen and Anna 
( Kirkpatrick) Gannon, both of whom were 
natives of Count}- Mayo, Ireland, in which 
countr}' the}' were reared and married. Having 
crossed the broad Atlantic to the New World, 
they located in the Empire State, where they re- 



3»4 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



sided until 1853, when tlie father, accompanied firm name of Winterling & Gannon. For four 
Ijy his family, started west. Me took up his re.si- years this connection has continuetl, and they 
<leMce at Hiiffalo Grove, in O^le County, III., now do a };oo<l business, which from the iK-gin- 
where he engaged in hriek-making. ui»K has steadily increa.sed. Kroni the jjulilie 
Our subject was a child of only three sununers they receive a liberal patronage, and their mill 
when his parents removed to Illinois. He was ing business has Ix-come one of the leading in- 
reared in Ogle County, spending the days of his duslries of Jefferson. 



Ijoyhood and youth in his i)arents' home. At 
the age of nineti-en he started out in life for him- 
self and beg.an learning lelegra])hy, which he fol- 
lowed for .several years, in the service of the 
Chicago it Xorthwestirn Railroad Coni])aii\ . 



In 1875, Mr. Gannon was united in marriage 
willi Miss Mary Iv Thurston, a native of New 
York, and a daughter of John Thurston. Mr. 
Gannon is a leading and active mendier of the 
I'nited Workmen, :uid both he and his wife Ix-- 



He was thusemployed mUil iSSy, when he turned long t(j the I'resbsterian Church. She is a promi- 
his attention to the iiiilliiig l)usine.ss, and formetl nent and fiilliful member of the Ladies' Aid So- 
a partnership with Mi . Winterling. under the ciety, and has .served as President and Treasurer. 



i-:i)\\ARi) siii:rPARi). 



■l)\\".\kl) SH]:i'l'.\RI), who is .succes.sfully 
^ engaged in gener.il farming on section \). 

. ICa.st Troy Town.ship. Walworth County, 
owns a valuable tract of land, comprising two 
hundred and sixty acres. He may truly be 
called a self made man, for he .started out empty- 
handed, and unaided has steadily worked his way 
uinvard. The obstacles and difiicullies in his 
path he lias overcome by delerniined eflbrt, and 
the success wdiich has come to him is the ju.st re- 
ward of his own labors. Mr. Slie]ipanl is both 
widely and favorably- known in this connt\-, and 
we feel as.sured that the record of his life will 
]>rove of interest to many of our readers. He was 
born on the 15th of June, 1831, in Yorkshire, 
iMigland, and is a .son of John and Jane ( Mitchell) 
vSluppanl, who were also natives of that countrw 
His father was in very limite<l eirennislances, ;uid 
worketl by the year as a farm hand until his 
death, which occurred at the age of .seventy \e.i is 

Our subject was reared in his native land, but 
he received no advantages or privileges in his 



youth to aid him in his life work He could not 
attend sc1uh)1, for he had to earn his own li\ing. 
He was oneof a family of seven children, namely: 
Thomas, now decea.sed : William, of Iuiglan<l; Ivd- 
ward, of this sketch: Mrs. .Sarah Lindiert; Mrs. 
Ann Hatfield: Mark, deceased; and Martha. 

When a young man of twenty-four years, Mr. 
Slie]>pard determined to .seek a home in America, 
liii])ing Iheretj)- to benefit his financial comlition, 
and in 1855 cro.ssed the broad Atlantic. He came 
to Walworth Conntv, where he began working 
for jii-1 per month, and was thus employed forsi.K 
years. In this way he got his start in life. In 
the mean time he was married, on the ist of No- 
vember, 1S57, to Hannah Mitchell, daughter of 
William and Chri.stina (Chalenger) Mitchell, 
boili of whom were natives of Kngland. The 
mother died in that country, leaving nine chil- 
dren, who were sent by friends to America. To 
Mr. and Mrs, .Sheppard have been born nine chil- 
dren, William, born August 27, 1857, is engaged 
in fanning in La Fayette Township: Thomas, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



385 



born July 17, 1861, died on the ist of November, 
1879; Mark, born October 5, 1863, is now living 
in Waukesha; George, born November i, 1865, 
aids his father in the cultivation of the home 
farm; Ada J., born in November, 1S67, died in 
infancy; Wesley, born June 22, 1872, married 
Julia Kniep, and is at home; Sarah A., born De- 
cember i, 1869, died October 31, 1879; Christina, 
born June 20, 1875, and Charlie, born July iS, 
1879, are still at home. 

Mr. Sheppard had not a single dollar when lie 
came to Walworth Count v, but he has worked 



hard and is now the owner of two hundred and 
sixty acres of valuable land. Every improvement 
upon his farm has been placed there through his 
efforts, and he is now comfortably situated, hav- 
ing a competence which supplies him with all the 
necessaries and many of the luxuries of life. In 
his labors he has bjc;i ably assisted by his esti- 
mable wife, and their success is well merited. 
They are both members of the Methodi.st Episco- 
pal Church, and, in politics, Mr. Shepjiard is a 
Republican. 



ELIJAH N. HARVEY. 



~LIJAH N. HARVEY is a member of the 
'S firm of h'. A. Seaver & Co., of Lake Mills, 
^ niaiuifacturers of knives. This is one of the 
leading indu.stries of the place, and the men who 
are at the head are recognized as two- of the 
prominent bu.sincss men of Jefferson County. 
The gentleman whose name heads this record was 
born in Northfield, \"t., on the 26th of May, 
1842, and is a son of Enoch D. and Mary N. 
(Nye) Han,-ey, the former a native of Canada, 
and the latter of Vermont. The father was a car- 
penter and joiner by trade, and during his boy- 
hood removed with his mother to the Green 
Mountain State. His fatlier was pressed into the 
service in the War of 18 12, and nothing was 
heard of him afterwards. Enoch Harvey was ed- 
ucated in Vermont, and there made his home un- 
til the autumn of 1843, when he removed with his 
family to Wi.scon,sin, locating in Aztalan Town- 
ship, Jefferson County, where he spent the winter. 
In the .spring of 1844 he came to Lake Mills, 
where he followed hi.>^ trade of carpentering for 
many years, erecting a great number of the early 
liuildings of this place. His specialty was join- 
ing, and lie made most of the sash, etc., for build- 



ings before the machine-made articles came into 
u.se. His death occurred on the 2d of January, 
188S, at the advanced age of seventy -seven years, 
and his wife passed away in 1857. 

Elijah N. Harvey was only about a year old when 
his parents came to the Badger State. Under the 
parental roof he was reared to manhood, and in 
the public .schools of Lake Mills liis education was 
acquired. When eighteen years of age he began 
working at the blacksmith's trade with F. A. 
.Seaver, and followed that business for two years, 
when, feeling that his country needed his services, 
he joined the bo},s in blue. On the 29th of Au- 
gust, 1862, he became a member of the Third 
Wi.sconsin Battery of Light Artiller\-, in which 
he ser\'ed until the close of the war. being honor- 
ably discharged on the 3d of July, 1S65. He 
participated in the battles of Perryville and Stone 
Ri\er, and was with Gen. Sherman on the march 
from Louisville to Chickamauga, during which 
they lo.st all of the battery except one gun, and at 
least one third of the men. Many hot engage- 
ments occurred during that march. The battery 
was captured at Chickamauga, and the men who 
escaped were transferred to other batteries. Mr. 



386 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Harve_\- went to Chattanooga, wliere he remained 
initil after the close of the war, Ijeing detailed to 
take charge of the horse-shoeing, under Capt. 
C<>ll)<)iirii, of Jefferson, Wis. 

After the war, Mr. Harvey returned to Lake 
Mills and tiuilt the hlaeksniith shop now owned 
liy Byron Cramer. Here he successfully carried 
on business for a few years, after which he erect- 
ed a livery-stable adjoining, and carried un holli 
lines of business f(jr about five years. He then 
sold out and removed to llie farm which he had 
])urchased a mile north -of the village, devoting 
his energies to agricultural jmrsuits for three 
years. On the expiration of that period hu re- 
turned to Lake Mills, where he resumed work at 
his trade, erecting one of the finest sho])s ever 
built in the town. Tliere he carried on a prosjier- 
ous business, giving regular emplovmeiit to 
two men. 

Alxjut this time the old Pa\ne farm of one 
hundred and twenty acres, located at Aztalau, 
was offered for sale at auction, and as it was con- 
.sidered one of the finest properties in this section 
of the State, Mr. Harvey bid in the same for 
Sio,oo<j, although he had to borrow the money to 
pay for it. It proved a profitable investment, for 
he stocked and rented it and derived therefrom a 
good income for three years, after which he sold 
out at an advance of $4,000. In the fall of 1891, 
he sold his blacksmith business and began oper- 



ating an extensive creamery in company with 
James Hutchinson. They ofieratetl three factories, 
and used more than twenty thousand jwunds of 
milk daily. Later two of the factories were sold, 
and soon after the third was destroyed by fire. 
In June, 1S93, Mr. Harvey purcha.sed an interest 
in the knife factory, which is now carried on un- 
der the name of F. A. Scaver & Co. 

On the 14th of Xovend)er, iSfifi, in Chicago, 
our subject was united in marriage with lunma 
Boyce, who was born in Marion, N. V., but was 
reared and educated in Chicago. They have l)e- 
come the parents of five children: Don ,S., now a 
jihysician of South Chicago; Guy B. , a dentist of 
Lake Mills; Mary L., who is engaged in teaching 
•"chool in Jefferson County; .Ma.\ R. and Belle. 

Mr. Harvey is one of the old and reliable citi- 
zens of Lake Mills, prominently identified with 
its business interests, and his name is a .synonym 
for honorable, upright dealing. He has served as 
Justice of the Peace, and at various times has been 
a mend)er of the \'illage Board of Tru.stees. He 
votes with the Prohibition party, and .socially is 
cotniected with the Masonic fraternity and the 
Grand Army of the Republic. The cause of tem- 
perance finds in him a warm friend, and he gives 
his hearty sujiport and co-operation to every en- 
terprise calculated to prove of public lx;nefit. 
All who know him esteem him highly, for he 
possesses many excellencies of character. 



I'XOCII B. FAR(;0. 



ITNOCH B. FARGO was Iwrn in the town of 
1^ Colchester, New London County, Conn., on 
I the 1, Sill of February, i,S2i, and was a son of 
Isaac and Sarah L. (Rogers) Fargo. When he 
was about ten years of age his parents emigrated 
to Gene.see County, N. Y., locating upon a farm, 
where he was reared to manhood, his educa- 



tion being largely obtained in the district schools 
of that day. He afterward attended Wyoming 
.\cademy for two terms, and as the schools of that 
locality were of an excellent character, his educa- 
tion was one that well fitted him for the duties of 
life. During his boyluKxl he manifested an apti- 
tude for trading, and usually had in his possession 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



387 



half a dozen knives, guns, and other articles dear 
to a boy's heart. His shrewdness in this direc- 
tion can be better appreciated by the fact that at 
the age of twenty years, as a result of his Ijarter- 
ing, he had in his possession a valnal:)le three- 
year-old colt. At that age his father gave him 
his time and presented him with $100 in casli. 
This amount Mr. Fargo at once invested in 
trunks, and, in company with an elder brother, 
began the peddling business, in which they met 
with .such good success that after a short time 
they had three men in their employ. They con- 
tinued to enjoy a prospenuxs trade along that line 
for two years, when they enlarged their business 
by disposing of large general .stocks of goods at 
auction on "general muster days" throughout 
the State. From this traffic business they very 
naturally drifted into keeping a general .store, and 
in 1842 Mr. Fargo found himself at the head of a 
large and .successful business in Churchville, N. Y. 

On the 12th of November, 1844, our subject 
was united in marriage with Miss Morella M. 
Churchill, a native of Genesee County, N. Y. , 
and a daughter of Gen. \V. L. and Sophia 
Churchill. The father won his title in the War 
ofi8i2. At the time of Mr. Fargo's marriage 
Wisconsin was the Eldorado for those .seeking 
fortunes and homes, and in 1844 he removed with 
his wife to Jefferson Count}-, locating at Lake 
Mills, where he engaged in merchandising, in 
company with his brother. That business proved 
a prosperous one, and in 1847, '" company with 
Miles Millard and Ambrose Foster, he constructed 
extensive foundry and machine-.shops, operated 
by water-power, and did the largest business in 
southwestern Wisconsin at the time. In 1849, 
he retired from that enterprise, and also disposed 
of his mercantile interests. He purchased a farm 
on the west shore of Rock Lake, and for two 
years devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. 

In 1851 Mr. Fargo purchased the flouring-mills 
and about two hundred acres of land, which is 
still the property of his heirs. I-'or many years 
he engaged in milling, and did farming on an e.x- 
tensive .scale. After the purchase of this propert\- 
he devoted his energies to the uplniilding of the 
village, and it can be said that this period marked 



the beginning of the town's growth and pros- 
perity. He platted Fargo's Fir.st and Second addi- 
tions, which he laid out in town lots, selling the 
same at $25 apiece. They are now worth $500 
each. In 1868 he dispo.sed of his milling inter- 
ests and again carried on mercantile pursuits, 
on the site where he had previously carried on a 
flourishing trade, luitil dispo.sing of the .same to 
Reed & Combe, who .still continue the business. 
About 1880 he erected a creamery, equipped with 
all the latest and most improved machinery, and 
successfully operated the same until his death, 
making it one of the leading industries of the 
place. He was one of the principal promoters 
and owners of the Lake View Hotel, on the shore 
of Rock Lake, a modern structure, which con- 
tributed much to the best interests of the town, 
and was used as a popular summer resort for 
about eight years, but was destroyed by fire No- 
vember 24, 1893. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Fargo were born four sons 
and two daughters: Frank B. and Fjioch J., of 
the well-known firm of F. B. Fargo & Co.; Isaac 
L. ; Corydon T.; Sarah, wife of L. W. Ostran, 
Ca.shier of the First National Bank of Olympia, 
Wash. ; and Florence. 

Mr. Fargo did much toward the advancement 
of educational affairs, and was prominently identi- 
fied with the same for years as a member of the 
School Board. He always contributed liberally 
to the church, although connected with no de- 
nomination. Although a stalwart Republican, 
he never sought office, yet was an active worker 
in the party and a warm supporter of its j^rinci- 
ples. At the time when the old Wisconsin Cen- 
tral Railroad was projected, many thousands of 
dollars in bonds and mortgages were voted by 
citizens of Jefferson County, and Mr. Fargo was 
among the foremost to take a large amount of 
stock, and for a time served as one of the Direc- 
tors of the corporation. He had the satisfaction 
of witnessing the wonderful transformation of a 
new country, without railroads or other facilities, 
into one of the finest agricultural and dairv sec- 
tions of the West, and saw Lake Mills grow 
from a mere trading-post to a thriving town, sup- 
plied with every convenience and comfort. Its 



388 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



developnienl was directly due to his cnteri)rise a substantial maimer. He was nf a .social and 

and industry, as no project for the advancement jileasanl disposition, well liked and hi;;hly cs- 

of the comnnniity in which he luul so long and teemed hy everyone who was fortunate enough to 

honorable a care-er was ever pronniljiiited, tliat form his acxpiaintance, and the names of such 

did not receive his hearty and j;enerous sujiport, were legion, 
he Ix-inj; ever ready to advance its best interests in 



("II ARM'S I'. (;ri-i:\\\ooi). 



EHARLKS F. 0RI-:KNW00D is one of the 
prominent business men of Lake Mills, ami 
a member of the firm of Greenwixjd Bros., 
who are at the head of the GreenwcK)d State IJank, 
which was established in i<S83. They at first did 
a jirivale bankinu; business, and continued ojiera- 
tioiis in lliat wa\ for ten >xars, Init on the isl of 
May, l.Sy.^, the bank was orj^ani/ed iir.der the 
])reseiit style, with C. 1''. Greenwood as President, 
and A. W. Gieeiiwo )(1 as Cashier. The caiiilal 
.stock is 5-.S,i'txj. 

The neiitleinaii whose name heads this record 
was born in Aztalaii, Jefferson County, on the 
f)th of Mav, 1.S52, and is a .son of Cliarles S. and 
Caroline (Cummiii);s) Greenwood, the foriiur a 
native of IJnglaiid, and the latter of New Vo;k. 
In |S4,S, wlieii a young man, the father cros.sed 
the Atlantic to America, and came direct to Wis- 
consin, locating in A/talaii, Jefferson County, 
wliere he carried on agricultural pursuits during 
the remainder of his life. He bevanie one of the 
jiro.sperous farmers of Jefferson County, accjuiring 
tlnough his well-directed efforts a handsome 
competence. His death occurred on tlie olil 
hiiine]ilace in iSSj. He was one of the early 
selller.s of the couiil)', was well known, and had 
the high regard of all with whom business or 
pleasure brought him in contact. His wife .still 
survives him, and is living in Lake Mills. 

Mr. Greenwood of this sketch is the eldest in 
a fainilv of seven cliildreii, four sons and three 



daughters. He was reared upon a farm, and 
actpiired a liberal education in the district schools, 
and in the Jefferson Lil)eral Institute. On attain- 
ing his majority, he located at Johnson's Creek, 
and engaged in the mercantile trade for himself, 
carr>iiig an extensive stock and tran.sacting a 
large business. He continued this successfully 
for five years, on the expiration of which period 
he .sold out ami returned to the okl homestead, 
where he carried on farming for five years. He 
then established his i)reseiit flourishing banking 
business, in conntction with his brother, and in 
addition to this he is interested in a cold-.storage 
warehouse, wliich was erected in 1892, at a cost 
of 5.4,500. He is also (.xtensively engaged in 
the milk and dairy business, and owns a creamery 
in tile town of Milford, which was constructed in 
tile .spring of 1893, at a cost of $4,000, witii a 
capacity of twelve ihou.sand pounds of milk ]>er 
day. 

Ill October, 1873, Mr. Greenwood was united 
ill marriage with Miss Ida M. Reynolds, a native 
of Aztalan Townshi]), Jefferson County, and a 
daughter of Cieorge and IClizabeth (Carroll) 
Reynolds, early .settlers of Jefferson County. 
They now have two children, Charles .S. and 
George IC. 

In his political views, Mr. Greenwood is a 
Democrat, and has .served as a nicniber of the 
County Hoard of Supervisors for three years from 
the township of A/talaii. two years from Lake 




>\ 



1''k.\ncis II. 1v\:mi-:s 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



391 



Mills Township, and at present is Chairman of the 
Town Board of Lake Mills. He is a member of 
the Masonic fraternity, and of the Odd Fellows' 
Society, in which he has passed all the chairs. 
He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of 



America. He is recognized as one of the mcst 
enterprising and progressive citizens of this place, 
is a man of most excellent business and executive 
ability, and in the history of Jefferson County 
well deserves representation. 



FRANCIS H. KAMES. 



P"RANCIS H. EAMES was born in Verona, 
rS Oneida County, N. Y., December iS, 1821, 
I and was a son of Havilah and Philatheta 
(Warner) Eames. He traced his ancestry back 
to the landing of the "Mayflower," when the 
Pilgrim Fathers, who had fled from England, 
founded the Massachusetts Colony. Later, rep- 
resentatives of the family aided in the struggle 
for independence. The father of our subject was 
born in Massachusetts, September 28, 1791, and 
made farming his life work. When a young man 
he removed to New York, wliere he spent his re- 
maining days, his death occurring on the 6th of 
July, 1840, at the age of forty-nine years. His 
wife, who was born in Massachu.setts, June 6, 
1 79 1, died on the old homestead in the Empire 
State, May 6, 1838. 

Mr. Eames of this sketch spent his early life 
upon a farm in New York, and after attending 
the common schools completed his education by 
a college course. Later, he engaged in teaching 
school in New York for several terms. Hoping 
to benefit his financial condition, he bade adieu 
to home and friends in the Ea.st in 1843, and 
emigrated to the Territory of Wisconsin. He 
purcha.sed a tract of wild land in Spring Prairie 
TowiLship, of Israel Williams, and began the de- 
velopment of the farm on which his widow now re- 
sides. 

Mr. Eames was married on the 28th of June, 
1848, to Miss Jennette S. Smith, a native of 
Wayne County, N. Y., born April 13, 1831, and 



a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Puffer) 
Smith. Her father was also born in the Empire 
vState, and engaged in business as a lumber dealer. 
The year 1841 witnessed his arrival in the Badger 
State, and saw him located in Manitowoc, where 
he engaged in the lumber business until his death, 
which occurred at the age of fifty-seven years. 
He was one of the representative citizens of that 
comnuniity, a man highly respected by all who 
knew him. His parents were both natives of 
Germany. Mrs. Smith, who was also of German 
parentage, was born in New York, but spent her 
last days in Wisconsin, where her death occurred 
in 1884, at the age of seventy-nine. She was a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
possessed many excellencies of character. 

By the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Eames were 
born four children: Olivia M., who was born Oc- 
tober 6, 1849, died February 22, i860; Alfred 
W., born January 5, 1852, is now engaged in the 
fruit business in California; Ira F., born Feb- 
ruary 3, 1861, died on the 28th of April, 1870, at 
the age of nine years; and Francis H., born July 
29, 1872, is a printer, eniploj'cd in the Inde- 
pcndcnt office in Elkhorn, Wis. 

The farm which Mr. Eames purchased oncom- 
ing to the West was a tract of wild land, but he 
at once began to plow and plant it, and in course 
of time golden harvests were garnered. The work 
of cultivation and improvement was carried foi- 
ward until it is now one of the fine.st farms of the 
county. Its owner was a self-made man, for he 



392 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



started out in life a poor boy, and through indus- 
try and enterprise overcame the obstacles in his 
path and steadil\' worked his way njjward to suc- 
cess. He took a coniniendahle interest in every- 
thing pertaining to tlie upbuilding of the coni- 
innnity and won the confidence and high regard 
of all who knew hinj. He was not a member of 



any church, but was a strong believer in Spirit- 
ualism, and in politics was a Republican. His 
death occurred on the old homestead May 30, 
1.S93, and his loss was widely and deeply mourne<l. 
Mrs. Karnes still resides on the old farm. She 
has long resided in Walworth Conntv, and within 
its borders has many warm friends. 



iK\i.\ 11. (,A(;i 



1R\'IX II. OAOK, who resides on section 34, 
Richmond Township, has throughout life fol- 
lowed farming, antl is now successfully en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits in Walworth Coun- 
ty, where for many long years he has made his 
home. He deserves mention among the honored 
l)ioneers of this locality, and it is with ])leasure 
that we present the record of his life to the reatlers 
of this volume. 

Mr. Gage was Ixjrn in the town of Hanover, 
Chautauqua County, N. Y., Augu.st 29, 1835, and 
is a son of Jones Gage, a native of Massachusetts. 
The father was reared to manluuxl in the Old Hay 
,State, and there married I'liilena Cook. Later, 
with his wife and three children, he removed to 
New York, .settling in Chautau((ua County about 
1820. It was then a wild and niulevelnped region, 
but he opened up a good farm, on which he reareil 
his family and made his home for twenty-three 
years. On the 3d of November, 1843, ,accom]>a- 
iiicd liy his son Irvin, he started with a hurseaiid 
wagon for Walworth County, Wis. On the 3d of 
Decendjer they reached Johnstown Center, and 
stojjped first with Squire Newell. l"'or a short 
lime they remained near Mt. Zion,aiid llien re- 
moved to near Richmunil with Capl. Humphrey, 
with whom they continued to reside until March, 
1844. They then went to Rock Prairie, and made 
a claim of forty acres on section 19. At tlie time 
of his arrival Mr. Gage had a cash capital of onlx- 



$14. During the snnnner of 1S44, assisted by his 
sons, Irvin and Ivnier\-, the latter an elder brother 
who came West in Ai)ril, he rai.sed a cropof corn. 
This was sold in the fall for 550. which sum was 
used to pay the Government for the little farm 
which they had obtained. About this time Mrs. 
Gage started for the West, and arrived here a few 
days before her father and son. A year and a-half 
later the other members of the family came to 
Wisconsin, and for a time lived together in Wal- 
worth County. Jones Gage continued a resilient 
of Richmond Township until his death, which oc- 
curred in ^'ebruary, 1S68, at the advancetl age of 
eighty-two years. The mother of our subject died 
shortly after reaching Wiscon.sin, and the father 
was afterward a second time married. He held 
niend)ershi|) with the Congregational Church, and 
was identified willi the Whig j)arty until the or- 
ganization of the Rei)ul)lican partw when he 
joined its ranks. His life was well spent, and he 
was one of the prominenl earl\- sellkis of this 
community. 

Mr. Gage who.se name heads this recoril, like 
most of the boys of that early day, acquired a very 
limited education, conning his lessons in the log 
schoulhou.se, one of the first built in the township. 
At the age of fourteen he began plowing with oxen 
and ]>ut in forty acres of wheat. With his brother, 
who was two years his senior, he engaged in 
breaking prairie with ox -teams. He went through 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



393 



all the experiences and hardships of frontier life, 
and was earlj' inured to the arduous labor of de- 
veloping wild land. At the age of seventeen he 
began life's battle for himself. In connection 
with his brother he kept "bachelor's hall" for a 
time. 

On the 24th of July, 1853, Mr. Gage was uni- 
ted in marriage with Miss Emeline O.sborn, and 
they began their domestic life upon a farm on sec- 
tion 21, Walworth Town.ship, where they remain- 
ed for about twenty j^ears. The following children 
came to bless their home: Clara, who is the wife 
of Silas Lock; Fred; Ellsworth; Charles, who died 
in 1892 ; and two who died in infancy. The mother 
of this family was called to her final rest May i , 
1868, and on the 21st of September following, 
Mr. Gage was married to Miss Maggie Hall. 
They now have two children: May, wife of An- 
drew Williamson; and Leroy Harri.son, who is at 
home. Some of the members of Mr. Gage's fam- 
ily are .still living in this locality. His brothers, 
Rosswell and Chauncey, are residents of Richmond 
Township; and Wales is living in Darien Town- 
ship. Charles, the eldest, makes his home in New 
York. 

In 1883, Mr. Gage purchased the farm on which 
he now resides, and in November of that year took 



up his residence thereon. He was reared to the 
vocation of farming, and has made it his life work. 
He is now the owner of two hundred and ten acres 
of rich and arable land, constituting one of the 
best farms in Richmond Town.ship. It is im- 
proved with all modern accessories and conven- 
iences; the buildings, of modern style, are kept in 
good repair; the latest improved machinery may 
there be found, and the place is supplied with all 
the accessories which go to make up a model farm. 
In his political views, Mr. Gage is a Republi- 
can, having been identified with that party since 
its organization. He served as Treasurer of Rich- 
mond Township for two years, and his fellow- 
townsmen, unsolicited by him, have called him to 
fill other public offices, the duties of which he has 
ever discharged with promptness and fidelity. 
Since his arrival in Walworth County, more than 
half a century ago, he has spent but few days out- 
side its limits, and is one of the oldest settlers of 
Richmond Township, only two who were here at 
the time of his arrival still living in the commun- 
ity. He is a typical representative of the honored 
pioneer cla.ss, which is fast passing away, and can 
relate many interesting incidents concerning fron- 
tier life. 



D. M. BROWN. 







M. BROWN, a member of the milling firm 
of Douglas «& Brown, of Lake Mills, has the 
honor of being a native of the Badger State, 
for his liirth occurred in Whitewater, on the 5th 
of April, 1868. His parents were Byron and 
Amelia (Taylor) Brown, and the father was a 
native of South Bristol, N. Y. The mother was 
the first female white child born in Delavan, Wis. 
Byron Brown has made milling his life work, hav- 
ing followed that pursuit for many years, but at 



this writing, iir the summer of 1894, he is liv- 
ing a retired life in Whitewater. 

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch 
was reared in his native city, and his early edu- 
cation, which was acquired in tlie public schools, 
was supplemented by a connnercial course of study 
in the ,Spencerian Business College of Milwaukee. 
He then took charge of his father's milling inter- 
ests in Palmyra, Wis., being at the head of the 
same for a year, after which he came to Lake 



394 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Mills, on the loth of July, 1891. Soon after his 
arrival lie i)urchascil a half-interest in the flourini;- 
niills at this place, and is now en^aj;c«l in business 
as a member of the firm of Douglas & Hrown. 
They are meeting with good success, and as the 
flour which they turn out is of a good grade, they 
receive from the public a liberal patronage, which 
is well deserved. 

Mr. Hrown was married on the isl of Jinie, 
1893, I'"-" l^'^b' of his choice being Miss Jennie H. 



Hrayton, a native of South Milwaukee, and a 
daugiiter of Dr. C. D. Hrayton, who is living 
in Lake Mills. The voung couple are witlely and 
favorably known in this conuuunity, and hold an 
enviable jxisition in stK-ial circles where true worth 
ami intelligence are received as the pa.ssi)orts into 
good .s(K'iety. Mr. Hrown is a meud>er of the 
Ma.sonic fraternity and is an advocate of Republi- 
can principles. 



lOlIN roiMi-.R 



3i)iIX I'ORTlvR, the well-known jjroprietor 
Ml IIdIl-I Heulali, which is situated on Lake 
IViilah, and is one of the finest .sununer 
re.sorls of Wisconsin, has the honor of being a 
native of Walworth County. He was born Sep- 
tendier 28, 1S56, on a farm on section 34, IJa.st 
Troy Township, and is a son of James and 
Mary (Kent) Porter, both of whom were natives 
of Galloway, Scotland. The father was Ixjrn in 
1800, antl when about twenty years of age he 
bade adieu to home and friends, and .sailed for 
the New World. He located first in Charleston, 
S. C, where he engaged in farming until 1845. 
In that year he was married, and with his bride 
came to the Territory of W'isconsin. He located 
on section 34, liast Troy Township, ancl pur- 
chased at that time about two hundred acres of 
land. As his financial resources were increa.sed, 
however, he made other pnrcha.ses, and became 
the owner of seven hundred acres, all in one botiy. 
The improvements which lie there made were 
among the best in the county, and the farm was 
complete in all its appointments. Mr. Porter de- 
votc<l his time and energy to agricultural ])ur- 
suits, being thus employed up to the time of liis 
death, whidi occurred in 1881. In his business 
dealings he was ((uite successful, l)ecoming very 



wealthy. He had many friends, and no eiKMuics, 
for his life was an honorable and upright one, and 
well .si)eiit. In political views he was a Demo- 
crat, and in religious belief w-as a Catholic. 

In the Porter family were nine children, .seven 
of whom are vet living: William, a resident 
farmer of Walworth County: Alex, who is now 
living retired in Hurlinglon, Wis. : John of this 
sketch: Robert, a farmer and horse-trainer of 
Kast Tro\': Je.ssie, now the wife of Charles Palmer 
an agriculturist of Vienna, Wis.: Francis M., 
jirojirietor of the Nickel Plate, the leading hotel 
of IClkhorn: and George, who is now proprietf)r 
of the Walworth Hotel, of Whitewater. James 
died at the age of twenty-five years. 

In the usual manner of farmer lads John Porter 
spent the days of his boyhotxl anil youth. At 
the age of twenty-two he started out in life for 
him.self, and began farming on land given him by 
his father, a tract known as the James Haker 
l''arni. He there continued to make his home for 
seven years, after which he spent one year in 
Whitewater, and then purcha.sed a farm on the 
beautiful Lake Beulah, Since then he has es- 
tablished a fine sununer resort. At an immen.se 
co.st he erected Hotel Heulah, which is situated on 
the eastern shore of the lake, within ten uiimites' 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



395 



drive from the station of Beulah. It is thus re- 
mote from the noise of tlie town, yet is easily 
accessible to tlie trains. The hotel is a modern, 
three stor\- structure, surrounded In- spacioxis 
verandas, and is supplied with all modern con- 
veniences found in a fir.st-cla.ss establishment of 
the kind. The lover of fi.shing-, boating and bath- 
ing has ample oppnrtunit}- of indulging his 
tastes, and other amusements, in the .shape of 
teimis and baseball, are provided. Situated in 
the mid.st of the beautiful lake region of Wis- 
con.sin, the hotel is only a few hours' drive to any 
of the most noted points of interest in this section. 
The beautiful .scenery and man\- advantages make 
this a charming .summer resort, and the genial 
proprietor of Hotel Beulah deserves a liberal 
patronage. 

Mr. Porter was married on the 24th of Novem- 
ber, 1879, to Miss Mary McGraw, a daughter of 
John and Marj- (Dtiffey) McGraw, natives of 
Ireland. They came to America in an early day. 



and located on section 9, East Troy Township, 
Walworth County, where they spent the remain- 
der of their lives, the father dying in 1875, while 
the mother was called to the home beyond in 
1884. Thc\- had one .son and three daughters. 
Mrs. Porter was born April 5, 1859, and by their 
marriage our suljject and his wife became the 
parents of six children, five of whom are yet liv- 
ing: Raymond J., born Augu.st 31, 1882; Mary, 
in Augu.st, 1884; Je.s.sie, in Januarj-, 1886; Beu- 
lah, in October, 1890; and John G., October 
10, 1893. 

Mr. Porter is an enterprising and progressive 
man, and is widely recognized as one of the 
valued citizens of the county. He takes a cotn- 
mendable interest in everything pertaining to the 
welfare of the connnunity, and withholds his sup- 
port from no enterprise that is calculated to ad- 
vance the general welfare. He votes with the 
Democratic part\-, and holds membership with 
the Catholic Church. 



JOHN W. DENISON. 



3OHN W. DENISON, who is now living a 
retired life in Whitewater, being engaged in 
no bu.siuess save that of hjoking after his 
landed interests, is one of the prominent and in- 
fluential citizens of the county, where he has re- 
sided .since an early day. He was born in Greene 
County, N. Y., April 6, 1819, and is a son of 
John and Martha (Coe) Deni.son, natives of Con- 
necticut. The father was a farmer and house- 
joiner. He died September 15, 1S53, at the age 
of seventj'-five years, and his wife passed aw'ay 
October 5, 1852, at the age of seventy-one. In 
their familj' were seven children, but only two of 
the number are now living: Mrs. Loni.se D. War- 
ner, who resides in Lima, N. Y., at the age of 
eighti'-eight, and our subject. The onlj' brother, 



Julius C. , who for some years was a retired farmer 
of Grand Rapids, Mich., died in June, 1877. 

To our subject was given the name which his 
father and grandfather bore, that of John. His 
early boyhood days were spent upon the old home 
farm, but at the age of si.xteen he left the parental 
roof and became employed as a salesman in a 
.store in Pembroke, Genesee County, N. Y. Two 
years later he went to Attica, in the same county, 
and was employed in a similar capacit3' for three 
years. He then took charge of a store in Middle- 
bury, and later returned to Pembroke, after which 
he went with his employers to Rochester, where 
he was engaged in selling the products of a paper 
mill, and buying rags, etc., for the manufacture 
of paper. He drove a team over the country in 



396 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGR^VPHICAL RECORD. 



this interest until 1844, when he went to Spencer- 
port, ten miles west of Rochester, and embarked 
in Inisincss for himself He had worked hard 
until he had acquired $1,020, which he invested 
in a stock of general merchandise, and formed a 
partnership with Church & Ball. He also en- 
j;a!^ed in buying wheat and grain. The smn 
wliicli he had saved out of his salary was his cap- 
ital, and though a very small amount as com- 
pared with his jjreseut jwssessions, it then seemed 
a l)ig thing. 

On the 9th of March, 1854, Mr. Denison was 
married, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary 
A., daughter of Julius A. Perkins, of Spencer- 
port, N. Y. To them were born four children. 
Mary A. is the widow of Frank Winchester, and 
resides in Whitewater; lillen E. and Harriet are 
at home; and John Julius, who was born August 
i(), i,S6i, died on the 25th of August, 1S86. The 
children were provided with most excellent edu- 
cational advantages. Mrs. Winchester is a grad- 
uate of the Milwaukee Female College. Ivllen E. 
attended the Nonnal at Whitewater, and then be- 
came a .student in the Female College of Milwau- 
kee, taking special courses of study. The young- 
est daughter pursued a course in the Boston Con- 
servatory of Music, and has become ciuite jiro- 
ficient in that art. The .son was graduated in 



phannacy from the Michigan University, and be- 
came a chemist of Detroit, but had to abandon 
this work on account of j)hysical disaljility. 

In 1857, Mr. Denison bade adieu to his home 
in the East and came to Wisconsin, locating in 
East Troy, where he was engaged in mercliaiidis- 
ing with Iv H. Ball, a brother of liis old-time 
partner of Spencerirort, N. V. Mr. Ball had 
come to Wisconsin in 1S46. an<l Mr. Denison 
visited the State in 1847, for he owned an interest 
in a store in East Troy. He made the journey 
westward by stage through Canada, and cros,se<l 
the Niagara River just l)elow the I'alls in a skiff. 
He then came by lx)at to Milwaukee. The part- 
nership between Mr. Ball and Mr. Denison con- 
tinued until October, 1866, when our subject came 
to W'hitewater and embarked in the manufac- 
ture of paper in connection with L. A. Tanner. 
This finn did a successful business until 1884, 
when Mr. Deni.son sold his interest in the paper- 
mill, and has since lived retired. In politics, he 
is a Republican, and has served as Suj)er\-i.sor. 
He is a man of excellent business ability, and his 
.sagacity and farsightedness, combined with in- 
du.str\', and well-directed efforts, have gained him 
a handsome competency, and he is now resting in 
the fruits of his former toil. 



AARON i;. SMll'll 



G1-\R<>N B. SMITH, who is now living a re- 
/ I lired life in Lake Mills, is one of the hon- 
I I t)red early settlers of Jefferson Count)-. He 
has witnes.sed almost the entire growth and de- 
velopment of this locality, has seen its wild lands 
transformed into beautiful homes and fann.s, and 
has wilne.s,sed the prf)greiis and advancement 
which have placed it in the foremost rank among 
the leading counties of the State. 



Mr. Smith was born in Paris, Oneida County, 
N. v., on the ist of October, 1S23, and is a son 
of Josiah and Sarah (Mun.son) Smith, the former 
a native of Ma.ssachusetts, and the latter of Con- 
necticut. The famil\' removed to Wi.sconsin in 
1843, locating in Lake Mills. The father was a 
ship-carpenter by trade, and followed that busi- 
ness during his younger years, but after coming 
to Wisconsin engaged in agricultural pursuits. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



397 



He located here in territorial days, and his resi- 
dence here was continued uninterrupted!}' until his 
death, which occurred in 1869. 

The subject of this sketch was reared and edu- 
cated in the county of his nativity, and when a 
young man of twenty years accompanied his par- 
ents on their removal to Wisconsin. He then 
started out in life for himself as a farmer, and for 
nearly forty years was one of the prosperous ag- 
riculturists of Jeffenson Count}-. Shorth- after 
his arrival, he entered land from the Government, 
and as his financial resources were increased he 
added to this by purchase from time to time, until 
he became the owner of a rich and arable tract of 
two hundred and eighty acres. Thoroughly un- 



derstanding the business in all its departments, he 
improved his opportunities, and as the result of 
his industn,- and enterprise became possessed of a 
handsome competence. 

On the 9th of December, 1847, Mr. vSmith was 
united in marriage with Miss Mary D. Bickwell, 
a native of Vermont, and to them have been born 
seven children, who are yet living. Mr. Smith 
contiinied to make his home upon his farm until 
1883, when he sold out, and removed to the vil- 
lage of Lake Mills, where he has a fine resi- 
dence, in which he is now living retired, having 
laid aside business cares. In politics, he is a Re- 
publican, and is a .self-made man, whose example 
is well worthy of enuilatiou. 



EDMUND KING. 



DMUND KING, one of the honored pioneers 
^ of Walworth County, now living in White- 
^ water, was born in Windsor Comity, Vt., 
August 5, 1819, and is a son of Solomon and 
Susan (Lewis) King, who were natives of Massa- 
chusetts. The father was a mechanic In- trade, 
and followed that business during his residence in 
the Ba}- State, but afterwards embarked in farm- 
ing. He came of an old family of Vermont. 
His schocrl privileges were very limited, for he 
attended only two months during his entire life, 
and tlien had to walk a di.stance of ten miles. 

Our subject was the tenth in order of birth in 
a family of twelve children. He was reared 
and educated in the Green Mountain State, but 
when twenty-four years of age, he determined to 
seek a home in the We.st, and in 1843 came to 
Wisconsin, making the journey by way of the 
Erie Canal and the Great Lakes. The State had 
not tlien been admitted to the Union. He first 
went to Janesville, and thence came to White- 



water, which at that time was a ven,- small vil- 
lage He had borrowed $40 with which to meet 
the expen.ses of the trip, and on reaching his des- 
tination found that he had only thirty-two cents 
remaining. Of this he paid twenty-five cents as 
postage on a letter. The day after his arrival, 
however, he secured work, his labors bringing 
him a dollar per day. Locating on Heart Prairie, 
he embarked in farming, and was engaged in 
agricultural pursuits for about eleven years. 

Mr. King was married in 1845 to Miss De- 
borah Loonier. Her grandfather, Jonathan 
Loonier, was a native of Connecticut, and was of 
Engli.sh extraction. He followed the trade of 
milling, and was a very prominent citizen of the 
locality in which he resided. The parents of 
Mrs. King at one time resided in Nova Scotia, 
but moved to Wisconsin in 1840. Ten children 
were born to our .subject and his wife, nine of 
whom are yet living: Rosetta Rockwell, of Cold 
Spring, is the eldest. Franklin H., who gradu- 



398 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ated from the Normal at Wliitewater, and then 
eiiteretl Cornell University of New York, from 
which he was graduated with the de^jree of Ph. I ). , 
is now Profe.s,s()r of Physics in the Aj^ricnltural 
College of Madison, Wis. ; Mrs. Ellen Zatkc is 
livins? in Kansas: Mrs. Jane Clark makes lier 
linme in Iowa; Charles }'.. is in Cold Sprinj;: 
Harry H. is living on the old homestead; Angie 
Cnrtis is a resident of McIIenry Connty, 111.; 
Lilla is now engaged in the .study of medicine in 
Chicago; and Clyde C. is engaged in the banking 
and milling business in Ivmerson, Neb. Ivdmuiid 
Wallace died in early cliildhood. 

After coming to this county, Mr. King carried 
on both farming and carpentering for a number of 
years. lie then abandoned the latter, gi\ ing his 
entire time and attention to agricultural pursuits, 
which he successfnllv folhtwed until iSS.s, when 



he removed to Whitewater, and has since lived a 
retired life. His home is situated on a tract of 
land of five acres. In iHjlitics he is a stalwart 
Republican. He .served as Ju.slice of the Peace 
of Cold Spring, and has held other local offices, 
ever discharging his duties with promptness and 
fidelity. In connection with a Mr. Springer, Mr. 
King put tip the first harvesting-machine in this 
locality, in 1844. This was the beginning of 
what has become one of the leading industries of 
the conununity. He has always latored for the 
upbuilding of town and comity, and gives his 
hearty suiJjiort and co-oiK-ration to all enterprises 
calculated to prove of jniblic benefit. For more 
than half a century he has resided in Wahvorlh 
County, witnessing its growlli and upbuilding, 
and aiiioug its pioneers he well deserves mention. 



ZHNAS P,. lU RK 



G7ENAS B. BlIRK, one of the honored pio- 
A ncers of Walworth County, wlio now owns 
/J and operates a farm of two hundred and ten 
acres on section 10, Lyons Township, has for 
more than half a century made his home in this 
locality. A native of Somerset Count)-, Me., he 
was born on the 9th of December, 1814, and is of 
P'ngli.sh and Irish lineage. His father, I)a\id 
liurk, was also a native of Maine, and was a 
farmer by occupation. The grandfather, William 
Burk, was an Irish school teacher, who in an 
early day cro.ssed the Atlantic to America. His 
death occurred at the advanced age of eighty-four 
years. The maternal grandparents of our subject 
were Andrew and Desire (Baker) Springer. They 
also were natives of Maine, and in that State Mr. 
S]iringer carried on agriculture. A tree falling 
u])on him caused his death at the age of thirty- 
five years. The mother of our subject bore the 



maiden name of Mary Springer, and by her mar- 
riage were born .se\-en diildren: Lavina and Still 
m.'in, who are now deceased; Zenas B. ; Lorimla, 
decea.sed; Albert, who is living on the old home- 
stead in Somerset County, Me. ; Andrew, decea.sed; 
and Meliitable, wife of Ii;]ili Baker, of Somerset 
County, Me. 

l'])on his father's farm in the Slate of his nativ- 
ity our subject was reared to manhood, and in the 
district .schools his education wasaajuired. After 
the age often he could only attend school through 
the winter .sea.son, for liis services were needed 
ujion the farm through the summer months. Like 
a dutiful son, he gave to his father the benefit of 
his services until he attained liis majority, and 
then started out in life for himself, going to the 
jiineries, where he worked at lumbering through 
tile winter, wliile through the spring lie engaged 
in r.ifting, and through the summer months was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



399 



employed in a sawmill. In this way he spent 
about five years, and in 1840 emigrated westward 
to Oakland County, Mich. The following year, 
however, he returned, remaining in the pineries 
until 1842. In October of that year he became 
a resident of Walworth CtJunt}-, Wis., and pur- 
chased one hundred acres of land in Lyons Town- 
ship, to which he has added from time to time 
until he now has one hundred and ten acres. 
Much of this was still in its primitive condition, 
and he had the arduous task of developing it. 

On the 23d of June, 1844, Mr. Burk wasjoined 
in wedlock with Miss Mary Kahoon, daughter of 
Amos and Mary (Williams) Kahoon. In the 
family to which she belonged were the following 
children: Martha, now deceased; Jo.seph, a resi- 
dent of Appleton, Wis.; Hiram and Ruth, both 
deceased; Nanc}-, widow of P. Sanford, of Geneva, 
Wis. ; William, who is living in Minnesota; Mary, 
wife of our subject; L3'dia, widow of A. Palmer, 
of Miinieapolis; and Joel and Franklin, deceased. 
Mr. and Mrs. Burk became the parents of four 
children. Amos A., now of Republic County, 
Kan., married Julia Baker, and has three chil- 
dren: El-sie, wife of James Elliott, by whom she 
has a daughter, Thelma; Alfred and Nellie. Ruth 
is the wife of S. A. Ingram, of Republic County, 
Kan. , and the}- have the following children: Flor- 
ence, wife of Arthur Smith, Zenas, Flora, Lewis, 



Adeline, Leone, Eveline and Wilfred. Ella is the 
wife of F. B. Udell, of Nebraska, and they have 
one son, Zenas. Flora is the wife of C. D. Windsor, 
an artist. 

In his political views, Mr. Burk is a Republi- 
can, having supported the men and measures of 
that party since its organization. His first Presi- 
dential vote was cast for Martin Van Buren. In 
1852 he was elected Justice of the Peace, and filled 
that office continuou.sly until 1880. In 1882, he 
was again elected, and yet ser\'es in that position. 
For a half-centurj- he has been Justice of the Peace, 
and that he has discharged his duties with prompt- 
ness and fidelity can be que.stioned by none, for his 
long .service proves his efRcienc3^ He was 
Township Clerk for twenty -three years and retired 
from that office in 1879. For about five j-earshe 
was vSupervisor, and for three years was Chairman 
of the Board. He .served as Constable for one 
year, and for the same length of time, under the 
territorial law, was Road Commissioner. His of- 
ficial life reflects great credit upon himself and his 
con.stituents, and his tru.stworthiness and fidelity 
may well ser\-e as an example to all who accept 
public tru.sts. Socially, he is a member of the 
Temple of Honor and the Union League. B}- 
)'oung and old, rich and poor, he is held in high 
regard, and with pleasure we present this record 
of his life to our readers. 



FRANK H. GORDON, M. U. 



r"RANK H. GORDON, M. D., is engaged 
r^ in the practice of medicine and .surgery in 
I Lake Mills. He has the honor of being a 
native of the Badger State, his birth having oc- 
curred in the Capital City on the 30th of October, 
1866. His parents, J. O. and Jennie E. (Whit- 
ney) Gordon, were both natives of New York, 
but ha\e been residents of Wisconsin for more 



than thirty j-ears. The father is an architect of 
Madi.son, and does a good business. 

The Doctor was reared and educated in his na- 
tive city, and at the age of fifteen began learning 
the carpenter's trade with his father, following 
the same until 1887. Having then attained his 
majority, he devoted his time and energies to the 
study of medicine, for it was his desire to enter 



400 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



the profession. He began study with Dr. Joseph 
Hobhiiis, of Madison, and after\vard entered Rush 
Medical College, of Chicago, from which institu- 
tion he was graduated in tlie Class of '91. He 
then located in Dodge County, Wis., where he 
was engaged in practice for alM)Ut eighteen months, 
after which lie came to Lake Mills, in Seplemher, 
1892. Here he opened an office, and has since 
carried on practice, winning a good patronage. 

The I)(x-tor is a memher of the Central Wis- 
consin Medical Society, the Independent Order 



of Odd Fellows, and the Masonic fraternities. He 
also belongs to the Methwlist Church. He re- 
ceived good educational privileges, was graduate<l 
from the Madison High School in 1885, and dur- 
ing the two succeeding years was a student in 
the .State I'niversity. He then spent one year as 
Princijial of the school in Uhie Mound, after 
which he took up his medical studies. He is 
an enteqirising young physician, and bids fair to 
rapidly work his way upward to a position of 
prominence among his professional brethren. 



SAMUEL iMLRUOCK. 



0AMri':L MURDOCK, one of the well-to-do 
2\ farmers of Walworth County, now living on 
\^J section 16, Troy Township, where he has a 
very fine farm, is a native of the Emerald Isle. 
He was horn on the i8th of July, 1828, and is a 
son of Andrew and Mary (Sloan) Murdock, who 
were al.so nati\es of Ireland. In that country 
they remained until 1847, when, in a sailing-ve.s- 
.sel, thev crossed the Atlantic to America and made 
their way to Troy Center. Their remaining days 
were here pas.sed. The father was a farmer, and 
devoted his time and attention to a.gricultural 
pursuits until called to the home beyond, in Ma\', 
1867, at the ripe old age of eighty-two years. 
His wife then went to live with her children, with 
whom she remained until her death, in Febru- 
ary, 1879, at the age of eighty. They came to 
this country in limited circumstances, but made 
the most of their o])portunities and advantages, 
and steadily worked their way upward from a 
hnnd)le i)osition to one of affluence. This wortli\' 
coui)le were the parents of six children, five of 
whom are yet living: Esther, wife of Peter Brady, 
a resident of East Troy; Andrew, a farmer of 
Eagle, Wis.; Samuel of this sketch: Agnes, wife 
of Joseph Lackey, who is located in Troy Center; 



and Margaret J., wife of Albert Kane, a resident 
of Fredericksburg, Iowa. Marj-, Mrs. Murdock, 
died in Troy Township in 1881. 

On the Emerald Isle Samuel Murdock was 
reared to manhoo<l, and. to farm work the greater 
part of his time and attention was given during 
his boyhood. As his ser\'ices were needed in that 
way, his educational privileges in consequence 
were quite limited. He was a young man of 
nineteen years when, with his parents, he cro.s-sed 
the briny deep. Since that time he has made his 
home in Walworth Count\-, and during the long 
\ ears of his resilience here, his honorable and up- 
right life has won him the confidence and esteem 
of all. 

On the 7lh of I-'ebruary, i860, Mr. Murdock 
led to the marriage altar Mi.ss Mary J. Morrow, 
daughter of Thomas and Marj- (Lackey) Morrow. 
Her parents were also natives of Ireland, and in 
1839 came to the United States, settling in Troy 
Township, where the father carried on farm work 
until his lil'e was ended. His widow still sur\-ives 
him. Mrs. Murdock was torn in Ireland, on the 
7th of December, 1S42, and is one of five children. 
Hv her marriage she has become the mother of the 
following children: Hiram, born October 23, i860; 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



401 



Nancy, who was bom May 5, 1864, and is now 
the wife of Jonathan Hohnes, a farmer of Troj' 
Township; David, who was born Ma}' 11, 1866, 
and is engaged in the operation of tlie home farm: 
LiiC}', wdio was born April 2, 1S74, and died in 
August, 1876; and Ira, born November 12, 1875. 
The only son now married is David, who on the 
17th of Jannar)', 1894, wedded Laura Larson, of 
Troy, daughter of Christian Larson. 

Mr. and Mrs. Murdoch began their domestic 
life in very limited circumstances, but together 
they labored, tlve husband working in the fields, 
while Mrs. Murdoch performed the duties of a 
thrifty housewife, and their united efforts have 
brought them success. Mr. Murdoch in his na- 



tive land had learned the carpenter's trade, and 
also followed that to some extent in his earlier 
days. As time passed his financial resources 
were increased, and he is now the owner of two 
hundred and fifty acres of rich land, comprising 
one of the beist improved farms in Troy Township. 
It is valued at $75 per acre, and is a desirable 
place, which yields to the owner a golden tribute 
in return for the care and cultivation he bestows 
upon it. He has met with a high degree of suc- 
cess, yet bis prosperity is due oul^- to his well- 
directed and persistent efforts. His straightfor- 
ward, honorable career, and his manj- excellen- 
cies of character, make him one of the valued cit- 
izens of the conununitv. 



SEYMOUR RICE. 



^fjEYMOUR RICE, who is engaged in general 
r\ farming and stock-raising, and also in dairy 
VjJ/ farming, on section 24, Tro}- Town.ship, is 
numbered among the pioneer settlers of Walworth 
County, dating his residence here from 1844. A 
half-century has therefore passed since his arrival, 
and in this long period he has witnessed almost 
the entire growth and development of the com- 
numit)-, and has been through all the experiences 
of pioneer life. He has seen the great transfor- 
mation which time and the earnest labors of the 
settlers have brought about, and has ever borne 
his part in the work of improvement. As one of 
the valued citizens of the community we present 
him to our readers. 

Mr. Rice was born Jiuie 8, 1827, in Oswego 
County, N. Y., and his parents, Joel and Martha 
( Herrick) Rice, were also natives of the Empire 
State. He carried on farming for a luimber of 
years, and then engaged in the hotel business in 
Walworth County for about thirteen years. In 
1867, he purchased four hundred and fifty-six 



acres of land on .sections 13 and 24, Troy Town- 
.ship, and now makes his liome thereon. He has 
since sold one hundred acres of the farm, but has 
yet a valuable place, highly improved and culti- 
vated. He carries on general farming, raises a 
good grade of stock, and is successfulh- engaged 
in the dairy business. The buildings upon the 
farm were placed there by Mr. Rice, and .stand as 
monuments to his thrift and enterpri.se. Every- 
thing is kept in good repair, and the well-lilled 
fields yield to the owner a golden tribute in return 
for the care and labor wdiich he bestows upon 
them. 

On the 27th of July, 1849, Mr. Rice was united 
in marriage with Miss Olive, daughter of Elijah 
and Charlotte (Jefferson) Giles. Her parents 
were natives of New York, and came to Wiscon- 
sin in 1842, locating on a farm in the town of 
Sharon, Walworth County, where the father died 
in 1 88 1, at the advanced age of ninety-two >ears. 
His wife was called to her final rest in 18S3, when 
eighty-five years of age. This worthy couple 



402 



PORTRAIT AND RIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



were the parents of thirteen children, twelve of 
wliiiin are yet living;, namely: Aaron; Mrs. Doro- 
thy I.an.ntou: Ivlijah; Olive, wife of our subject: 
Cyrus; Royal; Roswell: Cliarlie; Charlotte, widow 
of Seymour Rice, who was a nephew of our subject, 
an<l died in the late war; Maria, deceased; Mrs. 
Jane Scott; Mrs. Liddie Griffin, and Mrs. Harriet 
Hickox. 

Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Rice, Sherman, 
born Auj;nst 27, 1S30, died October 25, 1S91. 
Leonard ]',.. l«)rn Auj^ust 15, 1S51, was crip- 
pled by the cavinj;-in of a mine. His .sjiine was 
fractured and his lower lindis paralyzed. He has 
for .seven years ser\-cd as Town Clerk, beinj; 
elected on the Republican ticket, and has prove<l 
a capable and eflicienl ofilcer, discharginj; his du- 
ties with promptness and fidelity. KUen, born 
November 5, 1858, is now the wife of (). II Mar- 



shall, of Troy Township. Alice, born September 
19, 1862, is the wife of Orrin Burton, an agricul- 
turist of Illinois. Freddie, born Novemljcr 3, 
1S65, died Januarj' 16, 1S69. Frank, bom De- 
cember 26. 1S67, now carries on the home farm, 
and displays excellent business ability in its man- 
agement. 

In his political views, Mr. Rice is a Republican, 
but has never soujjht or desired the honors or 
emoluments of jjublic office. His wife belongs to 
the Methodist Church. The.\ have traveled life's 
journey together for forty-five \ears, sharing with 
each other its joys and sorrows, its adversity and 
])ri)sperit\-. Their long residence in the county 
has made them wiilcly known, and their well- 
.sjient lives have gained them the high regard of 
inan\- friends. 



WAi;ri:R parish 



AI.Tl'lR PARISH is a well-known farmer, 
who owns two hundred and si .xty -six acres 
of valuable land, o)in]irising a jiart of sec- 
tion I, Whitewater Township, Walworth County, 
and a ])art of section .^^i, Cold S]iring Township, 
Jefferson Connl\-. His entire life has been pas.scd in 
the Badger State, although he is of luiglish de- 
scent. He was born in Cold Spring, Wis., April 
24, 1849, and is a son of George and Sarah (Cog- 
gins) Parish, natives of Northampton, Kngland. 
The father was born in 1S17. the mother in 1821, 
and their marriage was celebrated in 1S46. Im- 
mediately after, they bade adieu to home and 
friends and sailed for America, and when they 
had reached the shores of the New World they 
made their way to Cold Spring, Wis. Here the 
father purchased a cow and eighty acres of land, 
pa\ing for the former alM)ut $20. In i860, he 
again bought land, becoming owner of a quarter- 



section, which he placed under a high state of 
cultivation, making many excellent improvements 
thereon. ViiUi Mr. and Mrs. Parish were Iwrn 
four children, who grew to mature years: Kdnuuid, 
who is now engaged in farming in Jefferson Coun- 
ty ; Walter, of this sketch: William, who was 
born about iSs,^, and died in June, 1880; and 
Charles, who now carries on agricultural jinrsnils 
near Madi.son, Wis. 

No event of special importance occurred during 
the boyhotKl and youth of our subject. He lived 
(jnietly upon the home farm, attending the ])ublic 
schools of the neighborhood tlnoui;!! the winter 
sea.son, while in the sinnuier months he aided in 
the labors of the field. t)n the 3d of July, i>>73, 
he was united in marriage with Miss Celia Mil 
lard, who was l)orn near Scranton, Pa., on the 
3d of December, I.S54, and is a daughter of Will- 
iam H. and Mtlierline Millard, who were natives 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



403 



of Rhode Island. Her father died when Mrs. 
Parish was quite young, and in 1867 the mother 
came to the West, where she made her home until 
her deatli, on the 7th of March, 1887. Mr. and 
Mrs. Millard were the parents of seven children, 
and all are yet li\-ing, namely: Melinda E., now 
the wife of Charles R. Holway, a resident of 
Rhode Lsland; Julia B., wife of Elisha Woodard, 
of Connecticut: Rebecca O, wife of Elisha G. Har- 
ris, who is located in Whitewater, Wis. : Samuel 
M., who is engaged in merchandising in Texas; 
P'rank T., who follows farming in Whitewater 
Township; and William B., who is also an agri- 
culturist of that township. 

Previous to his marriage Mr. Parish had pur- 
chased one hundred and eightj'-si.x acres of his 
pre.sent farm, and the young couple began their 
domestic life thereon. On the place there were 
no improvements, but Mr. Parish has since 
erected a connnodious two-stor\- brick residence, 
good barns and outbuildings, and made other im- 
provements to the value of 53,>jOo. At the time 



he purchased this farm he was in debt, but he 
now owes no man anything. His success has 
been achieved entirely through his own efforts, 
his earnest labors and perseverance bringing him 
a well-de.served and comfortable competence. 
He owns two hundred and sixty-six acres of val- 
uable land, which yields to him a golden tribute in 
return for the care and cultivation he bestows up- 
on it. 

Four children have graced the union of Mr. 
and Mrs. Parish: Jennie M., born May 20, 1874; 
Minnie D., born December 28, 1878: Gracie M., 
born March 16, 1880; and Chester W., born Jan- 
uary 3, 1882. The son is now attending the 
School for the Blind at Janesville. The family 
has a fine home, supplied with all the comforts 
and many of the lu.xuries of life, and the Parish 
household is the abode of hospitality. Politically, 
Mr. Parish is a Republican. His life has been 
well and worthily passed, and he may be truly 
called a .self-made man. 



EDWARD D. PACiP: 



"T DWARD D. PAGE, who carries on general 
^ farming and stock-raising on .section i, 
__ Spring Prairie Township, Walworth County, 
is a native of the Empire State. He was born on 
the 20th of March, 1843, in Genesee Count}-, 
N. Y., and is the eldest in a family of three chil- 
dren. One sister, Ellen Lorain, is the wife of Will- 
iam Tre.scott, a resident of Monroe Count\-, N.V.; 
and Roxena, the other, is deceased. The parents 
were Jesse W. and Hulda R. (Martindale) 
Page. The father was born and reared on a farm 
in Bennington Count}-, \'t., and on leaving his 
native State went to New York, where he car- 
ried on farming until 1845. Pie then c;une to the 
West and spent three years in Milwaukee and in 



Waukesha, the latter place then being krtbwn as 
Prairievillc. The year 1848 witnessed his ar- 
rival in Walworth County, at which time he pur- 
cha.sed the farm on which our subject now re- 
sides. It was then a partially iuipro\-ed tract, and 
to its further cultivation he devoted his energies 
until his death, which occurred in 1864, at the 
age of forty-.seven years. He was one of the finst 
.settlers of Spring Prairie Township, and took an 
active interest in everything pertaining to its wel- 
fare and ujibuilding. In politics, he was a Dem- 
ocrat. The Page family is of Welsh extraction, 
and the Martindale family is of English lineage. 
The mother of our subject was a native of Ben- 
nington County, Vt., and her grandfather was 



404 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



one of the Green Mountain Boys who valiantly 
aided in the struggle for independence. He also 
.served as Colonel in the Warof 1.S12. Mrs. Page 
died wlien about seventy-one years of age. 

In taking up the personal history of our subject 
we i>resent to our readers the life record of one 
wIkj is both widely and favoraldy known in Wal- 
worth County, having here made his home since 
the age of six \ ears. Me early became familiar 
witli all the duties of farm life, and as .soon as oUl 
enough to handle the plow he began work in the 
fields. After his father's death, being the only 
son, he took charge of the farm, and has since 
made his home thereon. Ik- now owns three hun- 
dred and seventy-five acres of valuable land, and 
the neat and thrifty appearance of the place indi- 
cates his careful supervision. There are good 
buildings upon the farm, and well-kept fences, to- 
gether with the lale.st-iniproved machinery and 
all modern acces-sories. 

On the Cith of June, 1864, Mr. Page was joined 
in marriage with Miss Lizzie Fraser, of Walworth 



County, who died in 1873, leaving two children: 
Lenora, w'ho dietl at the age of twenty years; and 
J. W., who is now attending the University of 
Madi.son, Wis. On the loth of May, 1S75. Mr. 
Page was again married, his second union iK-ing 
with Mi.ss F'rank Kra.ser, a si.ster of his first wife. 
Their union has been ble.s.seil with one daughter, 
Lucile, who is now attending .school. 

Mr. Page takes (|uite an active part in politics, 
and by his ballot sujipurts the men and measures 
of the Democracy. Although he is living in a 
Republican township, he is now serving his sev- 
enlli term as Chairman of the Hoard of Supervis- 
ors, a fact which indicates efficient public .service, 
and also tells of his personal jxipularity and the 
confidence and trust repo.sed in him. He is a 
well-informed man and is recognizetl as one of the 
representative and valued citizens of the connnun- 
ity. All who know him esteem him highly, and 
it is with pleasure tiiat we present to our readers 
this record of his life. 



WILLIAM 11 co\(;1':r. 




IIJJ.V.M H. COXOIvR, the po]niIar and 
elTicient Cashier of the I"'irst .Xalional Hank 
of Ivlkhorn, is a wide-awake and enterpris- 
ing business man, and as the result of his enter- 
l)rise, .sagacity and good management, he has be- 
come one of the sul)stantial citizens of this place, 
lie was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., on the 
y\ of June, 1821, and is a son of Benjamin and 
Amelia (Downs) Conger. The grandfather, Ikn- 
jamin Conger, was a farmer of New York, and 
spent his entire life in llie ICmpire Stale, where 
his death occurred at a ri])e old age. He was de- 
scended from one of three brothers who crossed 
the Atlantic to the New World in Colonial days. 
Benjamin Conger, father of our subject, was 



born in New York, and througliont life carried on 
agricultural pursuits. He served as a .soldier in 
the War of 1812, was a prominent and influential 
citizen of the connnunity in which he made his 
Imnie, and served as Chairman of the Hoard of 
Sniiervisors. He pa.ssed away in the village of 
Rhinebeck, N. Y., and his wife died about twelve 
years previous. .She was a faithful meml)er 
of the Christian Church. Her father. Dr. 
Downs, was for many years a practicing physi- 
cian of CoUnnbia Ccninty, N. Y., and there died 
at the age of seventy- five. Of the two sons and 
three daughters born to Mr. and -Mrs. Conger, 
only two are now living: William H. of this 
sketch; and Louisa, widow n[ Daniel Shultz. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



405 



William H. Conger was reared on a farm in 
Dutchess County, N. Y., and early became fa- 
miliar with all the duties of farm life. In the 
common schools he acquired a good English edu- 
cation. To his father he gave the benefit of his 
services until twenty-four 3-ears of age, when, in 
September, 1845, he was joined in marriage with 
Miss Catherine M. Johnston, daughter of C. 
Clarke John.ston. With his bride he then came 
to the We,st, and took up his residence in Wal- 
worth County, Wis., purchasing a farm of two 
hundred and thirty acres in La Fayette Township. 
.His finst home was a log cabin, but after a time 
this was replaced by a pleasant frame residence, 
and a good barn was also built; the wild land 
was transformed into rich and fertile fields, and 
the work of improvement made of his purchase a 
well-developed farm. After eight years thej- left 
the farm, and spent four 3'ears elsewJiere, living a 
])art of the time in Trempealeau County, in tlie 
northern part of the State. On the expiration of 
that period, Mr. Conger returned to Walworth 



County and purchaised a home in Elkhorn, where 
he has since resided. For some years he was en- 
gaged in loaning money, and did a profitable 
Iju.siness along that line. For the past thirty 
>ears he has been a stockholder of the First Na- 
tional Bank, and in 1875 became its Cashier, a 
position which he has filled continuously since. 

In 1S89, Mr. Conger was called upon to mourn 
the I0.SS of his wife, who was called to her final 
rest on the i.st of June of that year. The follow- 
ing year he married Mrs. Jennie McDougald, his 
present wife. In politics, he is a stanch Republi- 
can, who warmlj' advocates the principles of his 
party, and does all in his power to insure its suc- 
cess. For about four years he has served as 
Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. When 
he came to Walworth County, KIkhorn contained 
only one store, and Chicago and Milwaukee were 
both small towns. For almo.st half a century he 
has lived in tliis connnunity, and i;ia\- well be 
numbered among its honored jiioneers. 



HON. LINDSEY J. SMITH. 



HON. LINDSEY J. SMITH, who has been 
prominently connected with business and 
official interests in Walworth County, was 
born in La Fayette Township, on theSth of Janu- 
uary, 1840, during the territorial days of Wiscon- 
sin, and is therefore numbered among the pio- 
neer settlers of the connnunity. His parents, 
Sylvester G. and Diana (Ward) Smith, located 
here at a very early day. Thej^ were natives of 
Massachusetts and New York, respectively, the 
former born June 16, 1796, and the latter Febru- 
ary 18, 1801. The father was a farmer by occu- 
pation, and in Februarj-, 1837, he brought his 
family to the West, takirig up his residence on a 
farm in Spring Prairie Township, Walworth 



County. In 1839, at the fir.st land sale, he inir- 
cha.sed of the Government one hundred and sixty 
acres in La Fayette Township, which he at once 
began to cultivate and improve. It was a wild 
tract, but he transformed it into rich and fertile 
fields, and made his home thereon until 1856, 
when he removed to the town of Troy, and pur- 
chased the farm on .section 15 which is now the 
home of our subject. There his remaining days 
were passed, his death occurring on the 25th of 
June, 1878. His wife was called to her final 
home man}- years previous, having departed this 
life on the 19th of Februar)-, 1852. 

In the Smith family were nine children. Caro- 
line W., born March 10, 1826, has been a resi- 



4o6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



dent of Walwortli County for fifty-seven years, ber, 1871, to Miss Helen M. Stewart, daughter of 
and now makes her home with our subject; Sarah James and Margaret Stewart, of La Graufje 
M., born S(.i)tciiibcr 14, 1.S37, was the wife of Township, Walworlli County. Ilcr death oecur- 



Oscar L. .Smith, of Minne.sota: Lind.sey J. is the 
ne.xt younger; Addie M., born Octolier 2, 1843, 
is the widow of Harrison M. Montague, and re- 
sides in Troy Center. 

Amid the wihl scenes of llic frontier, L. J. 
Smilli was reared to manhood, cxi)crieiicing all 
the liardships and i)rivalions of i>ioneer hfe. He 
aided in the arduous task of developing a new 
farm, and soon became familiar with all the de- 
partments of form work, llis tchicalion was ac- 
quired in the public schools, and in Milwaukee, 
an<l later at Milton Academy, which he attendtd 
for one term. In August, i,S62, he responded to 
President Lincoln's call for troops, and entered 
the service of his country as a member of Com- 
pariy I, Twenty-eighth Wisconsin Infantry, lie 
served for three years, and his brave and merito- 
rious conduct on the field of battle won him pro- 
motion to the rank of Captain. He participated 



red Novend)er 22. 1S87. Seven children were 
born of that union, six of whom are yet living: 
Roland L., born .September 22, 1872; Mary I)., 
August 7, 1.S74: Clara L., Jaiuiary 14, 1876; Car- 
roll \V.. July 23, 1S80; Harold 15., August 6, 1882; 
and Osmer IC, June 4. 1886. 

Mr. .Smith carried on agricultural i)ursuits un- 
til 1S75, when he embarked in merchandising at 
Troy Center, where he carried on l)u,sine.ss mitil 
iSyo. In the mean time he i)Urclia.sed the old 
home farm, comprising one hundred and sixty 
acres of gofxl land, which is now operated by his 
eldest son. He is also interested in the hardware 
and hnnber business, in Hopkins, Mo., as a 
member of the firm of C. S. Martin iJi Co. .So- 
cially, Mr. Smith is connected with the Odd I'V'l- 
lows' Society, and the Grand Army of the Re- 
pulilic, and in his political views is a Re])ublican. 
He has been iKjnored with all of the town ofllcts, 



in a number of important l)attles, including those and has also represented his district in the State 



at Helena, Little Rock, Saline River, and the 
siege of Mobile. He was never wounded, but 
his health was greatly broken down by the ex- 
posure and iMnlshijis incident to arm\- life. 

On his return from the war, Mr. Smith resumed 
farming o;i the old ImnKstead, and while thus 
employed he was married, on the 21st of Decem- 



Legi.slature, in 1S80. He is alike true to every 
trust re])osed in him, whether pid)Iic or private, 
and in the discharge of his duties manifests the 
same Knaltv which he disjjlayed many>ears ago, 
when following the Stars and.Strii)es on southern 
battlefields. 



JA^■\KS n WIIHKI.HR. 



nAYNES li. WlllCELER, Count \ Jn<lge of 
I Walworth County, is one of the well known 
Qy citizens of this connuuiiity, and resides in 
Elkhorn, where for many years he has been en- 
gaged in the practice of law. .\ native of \'er- 
mout, he was born in Pawlet, Rutland County, 
on the 2Sth of Kebrnary, 1853, and is the fourth 



in ,1 liiniilv of sevin cliiidien. who.se parents were 
Lyman and Sallie Ann (John.son^ Wheeler. The 
father was a native of New Hampshire, and was 
a farmer and stock-dealer by occupation. He 
p(j.sses.sed good bu.sinessai;d executive ability, and 
in his luidertakings won success. He died at the 
age of forty-si.x years. His wife, who was born 





(' 



i 




UMJ (l'5 



^X 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



409 



in the Green Mountain vState, died when about 
fifty 3'ears of age. The ancestors on both sides 
of the family for several generations resided in 
New England. 

The early life of Judge Wheeler was spent in 
the old home in \'erniont, where he worked dur- 
ing the summer months, while in the winter sea- 
son he was for several years engaged in teaching. 
When about eighteen years of age he went upon 
the road, and for three years was engaged in sell- 
ing nursery stock. Wishing to enter the legal 
profession, he then became a student in a law of- 
fice at Ca.stleton, Vt., where he continued his 
reading for fifteen months. On the expiration of 
that period he entered the law school at Albany, 
N. Y., and a 3'ear later successfully passed an 
examination, and was admitted to the Bar. 

Believing that the West would be a good field 
for the labors of a young man who wished to 
work his way upward in the world. Judge 
Wheeler sought a home in Wi.sconsin, and e.stab- 



lished him.self in Elkhorn, where he engaged in 

practice. In 1877, he entered into partnership 
with H. F. Smith, and this connection was con- 
tinued until 18S6, when Mr. Wheeler was elected 
to the Bench. Since that time he has contin- 
uously held the office of County Judge. In 1879, 
he was elected District Attorney, which office he 
held for one term. 

In the .same year, on the 24th of April, Judge 
Wheeler was united in marriage with Mi.ss Klla 
F. Shaw, of Maquoketa, Iowa, and to them have 
been born two children, a daughter and son, 
Daisy S. and James Blaine, who are still with 
their parents. 

The Judge is a Republican in his political 
views, but has always been elected Judge as a 
non-partisan candidate. Socially, he is a mem- 
ber of the Ma.sonic iraternity, having taken the 
Knight Templar degree. On the Bench he has 
given good satisfaction. 



JOSIAII BARFIELD. 



(TOSIAH BARFIELD, who is Cashier of the 
I First National Bank of Lake Geneva, was 
0/ born in London, England, on the 30th of 
March, 1855, ^"'^^ comes of an old family of that 
country. His paternal grandfather was an Eng- 
lish farmer, and died in his nati\e land at the age 
of eighty years. The father, Thomas Barfield, 
was born in Langhani, Suffolk County, E)ngland, 
and was a tailor by trade. Having attained to 
mature years, he married Esther Clears, who was 
al.so born near Langhani, and four children graced 
their union, two of whom are yet living, Josiah 
and Esther M., wife of J. H. Creager, of Turner, 
111. In the month of November, 1855, Mr. 
Barfield bade adieu to friends and native land, 
and, v-i'li his family, started for America, cross- 



ing the Atlantic in a sailing-vessel. Making his 
way westward from the seaport, January i, 1856, 
found him in Chicago. From thence he went to 
Turner, III., where he remained, carrying on 
tailoring until his death, which occurred February 
17, 18S7. His wife preceded him to the silent 
land, having died July 11, 1863. They were 
both members of the Methodist Epi.scopal Church, 
and took an active part in its work. 

At the time of the coming of the family to the 
New World, Josiah was le.ss than one year old. 
With his parents he lived in Turner until fifteen 
years of age, when he Ijegan to earn his own 
livelihood by serving as news agent on first the 
Freejirrt, and afterward the Di.xon, jia.ssenger 
trains, Ciiicago & Northwestern Railway, and 



4IO 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



wa.s thus c-ni|>l()ytil for one year. He tlicii b<j- 
caiiii; a hrakciucn on the Dixon passenger train, 
and followed railroading for ten years. In 1874 
he was transferretl to the Lake Geneva line, and 
has made Lake Geneva his home continuously 
since. In iSSo his health failed him, and he re- 
signed his jxjsition as train baggageman on tlie 
railrt)ad. During the next three years he was an 
invalid, unfitted for work, and for one year of 
that time was a patient in Dr. Jackson's Sanita- 
rium, at Dansville, N. Y. 

Mr. Harfield was married May 15, 1.S79, to Miss 
Nellie M. Hale, daughter of L. I), and Jane K. 
(Allen) Hale, lx)tli of whom were natives of the 
State of New York. Her father was nundx-red 
among the pioneer settlers of Walworth County, 
and for many years engaged in merchandising in 
Lake Geneva. Mr. liarfield and wife are the par- 
entsof one son, Allen Ihirton. 

In February, US83, Mr. Harfield endwrked in 
the life-insurance business as cashier for the gen- 
eral agency for Wisconsin and northern Michi- 
gan of the lujuitable Life Assurance Society of 
New York, with headquarters at Madison, Wis. 
He was thus employed for three years. The 



work of the general agency was very successful, 
and after two years spent in Madison, the Uxra- 
tion of the office was changed from the capital 
city to Milwaukee, Wis., where Mr. IJarfield con- 
tinued in the life-insurance business. On the i.st 
of June, 1.S.S6, he resigned his ])osition with that 
company to Ijecomc Cashier of the First National 
Hank of Lake Geneva. Tluis hakS the newsboy 
of 1870, step by step, made his way upward to a 
position t)f prominence in the community. He is 
a good financier, p(j.s.se.sses excellent executive 
and business ability, and by the faithful tlischarge 
of his duties has won the confidence and eslc-em 
of all with whom he has been brought in contact. 
Socially, he is a mendier of the Ma.sonic fraternity. 
In his political views he is a Republican, but has 
never sought or desired political preferment. His 
wife hokls membership with the Protestant Epi.sco- 
l)al Church. In Lake Geneva they have a plea.sant 
home, and throughout the conununity have many 
friends. Mr. Harfield is a plea.sant, genial gen- 
tleman, j>opular with all, and it is with pleasure 
that we present to our readers his portrait and 
this record of his life work. 



MARVIN B. Ki:nii 



H. KlUTll, a farmer residing on 
T,o, Richmond Township, Wal- 



yyi.xkVLN 

y section 

•(3 worth County, is a native of the Huckeye 
Stale. He was born in Carlisle, Lorain County, 
Ohio, February 18, 1844, and is a son of Martin 
H. and Rachel Keith, natives of Herkimer Coun- 
ty, N. Y. In 1835, the father emigrated west- 
ward, taking up his residence in Lorain County, 
and four years later was married. The following 
children .were born of this union: Myron M., 
who resides in Michigan; Marvin H., of this 
sketch; Calvin V., who resides in Lincoln, Neb.; 



Alice C, tlecea.sed; and Lydia Ann, now Mrs. 
Sutlief, a resident of Carli.sle, Ohio. The father 
of this family died in Nebraska in 1887, and the 
mother in iSs'i. 

Marvin Keith acipiiretl his education in the 
]>ublic sch(X)ls of Lorain County, and spent the 
days of his lx)yhood and youth in his parents' 
home, where he remained until feeling that his 
country needed his services, when he joined the 
Union army. In JiUy, 1862, he donned the 
blue and became a member of the One Hundred 
and Third Ohio Infanlrv. IK- was then sent 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



411 



south to Knoxville, Teun., and to Covington, 
Kj'. He did service in those States until 1863, 
when, having been disabled, he was sent home. 
As soon as he had sufficientU- recovered his 
health, he re-enlisted, and became Second Lieu- 
tenant of Company K, One Hundred and Thirty- 
fifth Ohio Infantry. On the 6th of July, during 
the hard-fought skirmish at Bolivar Heights, he 
was wounded in the right knee, and has never 
yet fully recovered. 

When quite young, Mr. Keith had learned the 
trade of a miller, and after his return from the 
war, he fqjlowed that business in Ohio for five 
years. In July, 1869, he came to Walworth 
Count}', Wis., settling in Richmond Township. 
On the nth of that month he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Mary E. Hall, a daughter of 
Jared and Pliila (Gates) Hall. Their union has 
been blessed with five children, three sons and 
two daughters, of whom four are yet living, 
namely: Effie E., Burton B., Alice C. and 
George G. William H. died on the 31st of De- 
cember, 1S83, at the age of nine years. The 
children were all educated in Wi.scon.sin, and pro- 



vided with excellent advantages in that direction, 
Burton B. having attended Milton College, 
Effie E. the Normal School of Whitewater, and 
the two younger the High .School of Delavan. 

Mr. Keith is now the owner of a beautiful 
farm of two hundred acres in Rock and Walworth 
Counties, and has improved and cultivated it in 
such a way as to make it one of the most valu- 
able and de.sirable places in this section of the 
State. He has given his entire time and atten- 
tion to his business, and the enviable success 
which has attended his efforts is the tu.st reward 
of his preseverance and good management. 
Those who know him esteem him highly for his 
sterling worth and the many excellencies of his 
character. Both he and his wife are faithful 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of 
Richmond. He has always been identified with 
the Republican party, the principles of which 
he warml)' advocates. He well deserves men- 
tion among the valued citizens of the commu- 
nity, and with pleasure we present this record 
of his life to our readers. 



PAUL SCHWARTZ. 



QAUL SCHWARTZ, who since 1843 has 
I/' been numbered among the honored pioneers 
fS of Walworth County, is now living a retired 
life on section 1 1 , Troy Township. He was born 
in Rhine Bravilla, Germany, on the nth of No- 
vember, 181 1, and is a son of Adam Schwartz, 
who was also a native of that locality, born in 
1788. His wife was born in 1792. In 1832, 
accompanied by their children, they crossed the 
broad Atlantic to America, taking up their resi- 
dence in New York, where the father engaged in 
farming until 1850, when they removed to Port 
Washington, Wis. From that time forward they 



lived with their children, of whom they had 
eleven, ten reaching mature years. 

Paul Schwartz spent the days of his boyhood 
and youth in the Fatherland, no event of .special 
importance occurring during that period. When 
a young man of twenty-one he sailed for the New 
World with his parents, and after a residence of 
eleven years in New York, he sought a home in 
the Territory of Wisconsin. The year 1843 wit- 
nessed his arrival, and for more than half a cen- 
tury he has been identified with its history and 
with its upbuilding. He first located on .section 
II, Troy Township, where he purchased eighty 



412 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



acres of land, and to this lie afterwards added as tioii 14 of the same township; Mrs. Caroline Por- 

his financial resources were increased, until he be- ter makes her home in ICa.st Troy; Mrs. Mar>' 

came the owner of more than three hundred acres. Gould is a resident of Iowa; and Henry is lo- 

l'])oii his farm he erected yixjtl huildinj^s, .secured cated in Burlington, Wis. 

the latest im])roved maehinerj', and, as his means Since the death of his wife, Mr. Schwartz has 
allowed, added all the accessories and improve- retired from farming, and makes his home with 
ments of a model farm. The j)lace was divided his children. He started out in life a iKK)r boy, 
into fields of convenient .size by well-kejit fences, with no capital save a determination to win suc- 
and in return for the care and cultivation be- ce.ss in his life work. He labored hard for many 
stowed upon the land good harvests were gar- years, but steadily climbed upward. He won 
iiered. success by his earnest efforts, and is now the 
Mr. vSchwartz was united in marriage with possessor of a handsome com]>etency, which pro- 
Miss IJlizabelh Wagner, who died in May, i.S.Si, vides him with all the comforts and many of the 
leaving .seven children, all of whom are comfort- luxuries fif life. He luilds membershi]) with the 
ably situated in life, having good homts of their Catholic Church, to which his wife also belonged, 
own. John A., the eldest, is now one of the is a Democrat in i)i)litics, and has suned as Road 
leading citizens of Troy Township, and resides Supervisor. The best interests of the community 
on section 11; Paul is living on sections i and 12, find in him a friend, and he is ;i i)ublicspiriled 
Troy Township: Joseph follows farming on sec- anil progre.s.sive citizen. 



lOlIX DOKK 



(lolIN DORK, a farmer, stock-denler and 
I dairyman of Walworth County, now living 
v2/ <"i .section 2, Whitewater Township, claims 
Ireland as the land of his birth. His i)arents, 
Timothy and Celia (McDcrmott) Dorr, were both 
natives of the limerald Isle, the former born in 
1779, and the latter in 1798. The father was a 
farmer by occupation, and followed that pursuit 
in his native land until 1S46, when he determined 
to .seek a home in the New World, and crossed 
the Atlantic to Bo.slon. After about three years 
spent in that city he came to Wiscon.sin, IcK-ating 
in Whitewater, where his remaining days were 
l)a«setl, his death occurring in 1S63. His wife 
survived him for many years, and passed away 
in 18.S4. They were the parents of eleven chil- 
dren, all of whom were born in Ireland, and be- 
came residents of the I'nited States. James, the 



eldest, is deceasetl; John is the second in or- 
der of birth; Patrick carries on farming in Wal- 
worth Count\-; Thomas is also deceased; Michael 
is at present in Milwaukee, luit claims White- 
water as his home; Jerry is a resident of White- 
water Township; Mrs. Mary Wel)b died Febru- 
ary 20, 1.S93, at her home in Whitewater; ami 
.Mrs. I'^lizabeth Cody resides in Janesville, Wis. 

Our subject received very meagre school privi- 
leges in his youth, for his parents were in limited 
circumstances and could not afford to pay his 
tuition. He began to earn his own livelihixxl 
at an early age, and has since been dependent on his 
own resources, .so that whatever .success he has 
achieved is the just reward of his lal)ors. 

Asa comi)anion and helpmateon life's journey, 
Mr. Dorr chose Mi.ss Julia Murphy, their wed- 
ding lx;iiig celebrated in Fel>ruar\, 1.S49. The 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



413 



lady was born May 11, 1832, and is a daug-hter of 
Morris and Nora (Bush) Murpli>-, both of whom 
were natives of Ireland. By their marriage, Mr. 
and Mrs. Dorr have become the parents of ten 
cliildren. Michael, the eldest, carries on agricul- 
tural pursuits in Whitewater Township; Anthony 
is proprietor of a meat-market in Milwaukee: 
Timothy is engaged in blacksmithing in White- 
water: Jtilia is at home: Celia is the wife of 
Joseph Spangler, of Whitewater: Edward, John 
and Morris aid in the operation of the home farm: 
Mary, deceased, was the wife of Milton R. Styles, 
a policeman of Whitewater; and Nora, who com- 
pletes the family, is the wife of A. Johnson, a 
farmer of Whitewater Town.ship. 

Mr. Dorr has led a busy and u.seful life, and 



though he has met with obstacles and difficulties, 
he has steadily pressed forward, and as the re- 
sult of his persistent eiforts has become well-to- 
do. His farm now comprises one hundred and 
.seventy-five acres, and the well-tilled fields yield 
to the owner a golden tribute in return for the 
care and cultivation he bestows upon them. He 
is extensively engaged in the raising of a high 
grade of horses, hogs and sheep, and keeps on 
hand about twenty cows for dairj- purposes. Mr. 
Dorr is a Republican in politics, and he and his 
familj- are all members of the Catholic Church. 
They are highl\- respected citizens of the com- 
nuinity, and in social circles hold an enviable 
position. 



JOHN R. BRABAZON. 



(TOHN R. BRABAZON, a prominent citizen 
I of Sugar Creek Township, is an honored 
(2/ veteran of the late war, and is the proprietor 
of the noted Glen View Poultry Farm. As he 
has a wide acquaintance in this community, and is 
held in the highest regard by many friends, we 
feel as.sured that the record of his life will prove 
of interest to many of our readers. He was born 
at Niagara Falls, near the battlefield of L,undy's 
Lane, Canada, on the 23d of April, 1844, and is 
a .son of William and Margaret ( Hardeman) 
Brabazon. His father was born in Ireland, in 
1797, and was of French extraction. In 1833, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Hardeman, a 
native of Leeds, England, born in 1803. He 
served as an officer in the British ami}-, as did 
his father also, and took part in the battle of 
Waterloo, under the command of Gen. Blucher. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Brabazon were born nine chil- 
dren: William R., who is now living in Jackson- 
port, Wis.; Isabel, who died in Canada; Richard 



v., who resides with our subject; Margaret, wife 
of C. P. Drake, of Clinton, Rock County, Wis.; 
John R.; James, who is living in Sugar Creek 
Township; and three who died in infanc}-. 

John R. Brabazon acquired his education in 
Canada, and in 1856 accompanied his parents 
on their removal to Wi.sconsin. In 1863, he was 
united in marriage with Mi.ss Annie M. Heiss, 
who died in 1869, leaving three children: John 
R., who married Mi.ss He.ssie Huntress, and is liv- 
ing in Delavan; Catherine, wife of Silas Mintchell, 
of Sugar Creek Town.ship: and Lena H., wife of 
W. H. Hoover, a resident of Illinois. For his 
second wife, Mr. Brabazon chose Miss Maria Wil- 
lis, who died in June, 1893, and was buried in 
Spring Grove Cemetery, of Delavan, Wis. His 
present wife, to whom he was married May 29, 
1894, was Maretta Iv Seymour, widow of Robert 
Sej-niour. 

On the 1 6th of June, 1862, our subject responded 
to the country's call for troops to aid in the pres- 



414 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ervatioii of the Union, and, donning the bine, was 
assigned to Company K, of the Twenty-eighth 
Regiment of Wisconsin \'ohintters. He tlien 
went to the South, and for three years, two months 
and two days was engaged in the service of his 
country, being mustered out at Urownsvillc, Tex. 
His regiment formed part of the' Army of tlie 
Gulf, and he was engaged in the battles of 
Union City. Ky.. X'ickslnirg. Vazoo Pass, those 
of the Mississi])pi expedition, Helena, Ark., 
I.ittle R<jck and Pine Bluff, and then joined 
the ex])edition up the Red River under Gen. 
Steele, and took part in the battles of Marks' 
Mills and Mobile, and just l)efore the close 
of the war joined the forces of Gen. .Sheridan. 
His army record is one of which he may well be 
proud, for he was always found at his post of dut> , 
faithful to the Old P'lag and the cause it repre- 
.sented. 

Since his return from the war, Mr. Brabazon 
has made his home continuously in Walworth 
County. He now owns eighty acres of land on 
section 28, Sugar Creek Town.ship, where for the 
pa.st twenty years he has been engage;! in poultry- 
raising. In this undertaking he has l)een remark- 
ably successful, and now has sixty-seven different 
varieties of fowls. He keeps the best pure breeds, 
and ships both birds and eggs to all parts of the 
country, having established a large trade, which is 
constantly increasing. The Gk-n \'iew Poultry 



Farm is known far and wide. He haseverj- conven- 
ience for raising fine ixmltry, and has one of the 
iK'st farms in this locality. It is not oidy supi>lie<l 
with the acces.sories for poultrj-raising, but upon 
the farm are fine barns and outbuildings, and a 
beautiful and commodious residence, situate<l in 
the midst of well-kejit grounds. 

Mr. Brabazon is a leading and influential citizen 
of this connnunity, and his fellow-townsmen, re- 
cognizing his worth and ability, have fretinently 
called upon him to .serve in positions of public 
trust. He is now the correspondent for the Health 
Bureau of Washington, D. C, a position he has 
held by Government appointment for .several 
years. He is a member of the Board of Health 
of the township, and has held the office of Justice 
of the Peace for some years. Tlie prompt and 
able manner in which he discharges his public 
duties has won him high commendation and 
gained for him the respect of all. He is also a 
corres]iondent for the local news]iapers of Delavan. 
In his political views, he is a stalwart Repuljlican 
and warmly advocates the principles of that party. 
Socially, he is an Odd I'ellow, a Knight of Pythias, 
member of the Grand Army of the Republic and 
a Modern Woodman. A genial, pleasant gentle- 
man, he wins friends wherever he goes, and has 
the respect and confidence of all with whom busi- 
ness or social relations have brought him in con- 
tact. 



(GEORGE tI':r\vi lligi:r. 



gl'ORGK TKRWILLIGER, one of the hon- 
ored veterans of the late war, who now fol- 
lows general farming on section 20, Troy 
Townshij), Walworth County, claims Ohio as the 
.State of his nativity, his birth having occurred on 
a farm in Huron County, I'ebruary 2, 1836. 
His parents, Hubin and Mary A. (Belden) Ter- 



williger. were both natives of New York, tlie for- 
mer horn in Ulster Comity. He was a stone-mason, 
and followed that occupation until after his mar- 
riage, when he engaged in fanning. About 1830 he 
removed to Ohio, where he purchased forty acres 
of land, continuing the cultivation of that tract 
until 1H44, when he came to Jefferson County, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



415 



Wis. He bought a farm of eighty acres and car- 
ried on agricultural pursuits in that locality until 
1866, when he became the owner of a farm of two 
hundred acres on section 20, Troy Township. 
He was successful in liis bn.siness dealings, and 
his industry, enterprise and perse\-erance won 
him a good capital. His first wife died about 
i860, and two years later he married her si.ster, 
Mrs. Eliza Hiles, who.se death occurred about 
1875. After that time, Mr. Terwilliger made his 
home with his son George until his death, on the 
30th of May, 1884. The improvements upon the 
farm which he owned stand as monuments to his 
thrift and enterpri.se. His life was well spent, and 
he was regarded as one of the valued citizens of 
the communit}-. 

In the Terwilliger family were eight children: 
Charles W., who died in childhood; Hainiah, who 
became the wife of Ansel Hayes, a farmer; George 
of this .sketch; Sarah, wife of Thomas Daniels, 
an agriculturist of Jefferson County; Thomas, who 
sensed for a year and a-half as a member of the 
Fourth Wisconsin Regiment during the Civil 
War, and died at Ship Island, New Orleans; Em- 
ily, wife of Linn Watson, a farmer and lumber- 
dealer of Marshfield, Wis. ; Amos B. , an agricul- 
turist, who is living in Cla}- County, Kan.; and 
Jennie, wife of William Thompson, who carries on 
farming in Rock County, Wis. 

George Terwilliger .spent the first eight years 
of his life in the Buckeye State, and then accom- 
panied his parents on their removal to the Terri- 
tory^ of Wisconsin, where, in the usual manner of 
farmer lads, he was reared. The public schools 
afforded him his educational privileges. He is 
familiar with the hi.stor\' of pioneer life in this lo- 
cality, and has ever borne his part in the work of 
developing this region. He continued at home 
until 1861, when, prompted b)- patriotic impulses, 
he responded to President Lincoln's call for troops, 
and enli.sted in the Third Wisconsin Battery of 
Light Artiller}-, .serving for three 3-ears under 
Gen. Buell. He left Wisconsin on the 23d of 
January-, 1862, and went to Louisville, Ky., 
thence to Nashville, and on to Savainiah, Tenn. 
He participated in the battle of Corinth, followed 
the enemy through Mis.sissippi and Alabama, 



was under fire at Battle Creek, and then went 
across the mountains through Tennes.see and Ken- 
tucky to Louisville. He participated in the en- 
gagements at Mount Washington, Perryville, 
Crab Orchard, and Stone River, and in all the oth- 
er battles in which his regiment took part, and 
when his three-year term had expired was mus- 
tered out in Milwaukee, on the lothof October, 
1864. He is now receiving a pen.sion of $8 per 
month. He was ever a faithful soldier, always 
found at his post of duty, and of his army record he 
maj' well be proud. 

Mr. Terwilliger at once returned to his home, 
and on the 5th of November, 1865, was united in 
marriage with Mi,ss Helen Hayes, daughter of 
Moses and Marj- (Daniels) Hayes, both of whom 
were natives of Erie Coinit}-, Pa. Her parents 
came to Wisconsin in 1S46, and settled on a farm 
in Jeffenson County. Their family numbered 
eleven children: Mrs. Eliza Carroll; Mrs. Caroline 
Ba3'se; Ansel, who is now living in Dane County, 
Wis.; Chaunce}-, who resides in Humboldt 
County, Iowa; Mrs. Emily Lawton; Alonzo, who 
also makes his home in Dane County; William, of 
the same county; Helen, who was born July 4, 
1844, and is now the wife of our .subject; and John, 
who is located in Dunn County, Wis. The mother 
of this famil}', who was born in February, 1801, is 
yet living, and makes her home with her sons in 
Dunn Count}-. 

Mr. Terwilliger has made farming his life 
work. He was reared to that occupation, and his 
time and attention have ever been given to the 
cultivation of his land. He now owns and oper- 
ates the old homestead which belonged to his par- 
ents, and has made it one of the most highly im- 
proved farms of the neighborhood. For two 
years he serv^ed as Supervisor of his town- 
ship, and discharged his duties with a prompt- 
ness and fidelit}- that won him high commenda- 
tion!. He votes with the Republican party, and 
holds membership witli the Grand Army of the 
Republic. Almost his entire life has here been 
passed, and those who have known him from 
boyhood are numbered among his stanchest 
friends. 



4i6 



PORTRAIT AND lilOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 



ClIARLI'S S. MILLI^R. 



EIIARLKSS. MIIJJvR lias led a busy and 
useful life, and in his declining da>s is 
livinj^ retired at his pleasant home on sec- 
tion 12, ICast Troy Township, Walworth County, 
lie was horn in the town of W'alworlh, Wayne 
County, N. V., fifleen miles east o{ Rochester, 
October 22, 1.S17. His parents were Jonathan 
and I'ermelia (Lee) Miller. The father, a farmer 
by occujiation, was born in New l'jii;land, in 
1 765. The mother was a native of Lewis County, 
N. Y. Mis death occurred at the ai^e of fifty-two, 
and she passed away when seventy years of 
age. They were the parents of ten children, 
eight of wlioni grew to mature years. They were: 
Horace, Harvey, Lee, Mrs. Mary I'ahner, I'hile- 
tus, William, Ashbull and Ivnoch, all now de- 
ceased; Charles ,S., of this .sketch; and Meli.s.sa, 
wife of David liarton, .-i stock -dealer and hotel- 
keeper of California. 

The .subject of this sketch was ()nl\' two years 
(jf age at the time of his father's death. In 1S36 
he emigrated westward, .spending one year in De- 
troit, Mich. He then went back to New York, 
but after a short time we find him in Chicago, 
from whence he again went to Detroit. In the 
fall he returned to his old home in the ICmjiirc 
.Stale, but the West still attracted him, and until 
August, 183S, he made his home in Michigan, 
when he began traveling through tlw West. He 
.iftcrwanls sju-nt some time in Chicago, and was 
present al the Oeii. Harrison Convention in Ti])- 
l)ecnn(ie, Ind., in 1K40. Later he returned to 
Michigan, where he remained two \ears. 

During that time Mr. Miller was married to 
b;ii/;i Hush, <laughler of John Hush, a millwright, 
their wedding being celebrated Ma\' 7, 1.S42. h'or 
forty-.seven years they traveletl life's journey to- 



gether, sharing with each other its joys and .sor- 
rows, but in i.S.Sy were .separated by death, the 
faithful wife being called to the home iK-yond. In 
their family were si.x children, four of whom are 
now living. Isadore is the wife of Otis Titus, and 
lives on the home farm. She was born April 14, 
1845.- Charles H., born December 9, 1S46, is 
now a farmer of Washington. Mary A., lx)ni 
June 16, 1 85 1, was married, and is now deceased. 
Judge, born March 20, 1856, died Septenil)er 10, 
1S61. Kmma, lioru December 10, 1859, is the 
wife of Daniel Lobdell, of Micliigan. Ida, born 
June 6, 1863, is the wife of George Gruno, a 
farmer of Racine County. Mr. and Mrs. Miller 
also reared a granddaughter, Lida Jack.son, whose 
jiarents were Richard and Mary (Miller) Jack- 
son. The granddaughter took the name of Mil- 
ler, and by our stdiject was educated. She is now 
the wife of Frank Noble, of Monroe County, Wis. 
Mr. Miller is a self-made man, for since the age 
of thirteen he has earned his own li\elihood, and 
his present property has been acquired through his 
own well-directed en"orts. During the first suni- 
luer after his marriage he engaged in farming, and 
then returned to the Kast, carrying on a grocerj' 
in Rochester, N. Y., for one year. He theii 
came to Wi.sconsin, locatnig in Racine County, 
where he rented and carried on a hotel for two 
years. On the exjiiration of that period he pur- 
chased one hundred and twent\- acres of land, and 
in addition to its cultivation he engaged in hotel- 
kee]>ing for thirteen years. He was employed in 
the same line of business in Milwaukee, but his 
efforts there were unsuccessful, and the next .spring 
he started on an overland Irij) to California in 
.search of gold. He spent Iwenty-.seveu months 
on the Pacific Slojie, and met with good success. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



417 



He arrived in California with onlj' $15, and re- 
turned with $2,000. While on his way home the 
ve.^sel in which he sailed was .shipwrecked, but af- 
ter three daj-s and three nights he was picked up 
by the boat "John L,. Stevens." Since his re- 
turn he has followed farming, and is now the 
owner of three hundred and twenty-five acres of 
valuable land. He also owns all of the stock 
upon his place, which is now Jseing operated on 
.shares. 

Mr. Miller has long been numbered among the 
prominent and enterpri.sing citizens of the com- 
munity. He has .served as Treasurer, Super- 
visor and Con.stable, and has been Postmaster. On 
the organization of the Republican party he joined 
its ranks, and has .since been one of its stalwart 
supporters. He was President of the Farmers' 
Club, Vice-Pre.sident of the Anti-Horse Thief A.s- 



sociation, and President of the National Wool- 
Growers' A.ssociation. He has also been a Di- 
rector of the Farmers' Insurance Company of East 
Troy and Tro>- Township, fdling that position 
since its organization, and is a Director of the 
Citizens' Bank of Mukvvonago. Socially, he is 
connected with the Odd Fellows' Society. He 
organized the school districts in histown.ship, and 
served as a Director, while George Ray served as 
Treasurer, and William Miller acted as Clerk. 
In the long years of his residence here our subject 
has witnes.sed almost the entire growth and de- 
velopment of the county, and has ever borne his 
part in the work of public improvements. His 
life has been honoralile, busy and u.seful, and 
though he started out for him.self empty-handed, 
he has steadih- worked his way ujjward, and is 
now the possessor of a hand.some competence. 



JOSEPH LACKEY. 



(TOSEPH EACKEY, who has made farming 
I his life work, now owns and operates two 
\Z/ hundred and twenty acres of rich land on 
.section 16, Tro}' Township, Walworth County, 
Wis. He was born on the 5th of July, 1828, in 
County Down, in the north of Ireland, and is a 
son of Hugh and Isabel (Beard) Lacke3^ who 
were also natives of the Emerald Lsle, but were of 
Scotch descent, their parents having been born in 
Scotland. The father was a farmer and a weaver 
of cloth, and on the Emerald Lsle remained until 
called to the home beyond, in 1866. In the same 
year his widow cros.sed the Atlantic, and made 
her home in Troy Town.ship until .she too pas.sed 
away, in 1876. This worthy couple were the 
parents of ten children, eight of whom grew to 
mature years, while Thomas passed away at the 
age of sixteen. The others were Mary, Archi- 
bald, David, Joseph, Hugh, Isabel and Robert W. 



No event of special importance occurred during 
the boyhood and youth of our subject. He was 
reared quietly in his native land, where he worked 
at farm labor, and attended the district .schools, 
thus acquiring his education. On attaining his 
majority, in 1S50, he determined to .seek a home 
bej'ond the Atlantic, and in a sailing-vessel 
crossed the ocean to the New World, to try his for- 
tune on its broad prairies. He has since lived only 
in Walworth County. He made his first location 
upon a farm on section 16, Troy Township, and 
at once began its cultivation and improvement. 
He shared in the experiences and hard.ships of 
frontier life, but was undeterred by such obstacles, 
and labored .steadily on until he had acquired a 
good property. 

Mr. Lackey was married on the i8th of Sep- 
tember, 1855, to Mrs. Agnes Baird, a daughter 
of Andrew Murdoch, and widow of Samuel 



4i8 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Baird. By her first marriage she had two sons: 
Joseph C, who was horn July 9, 1S51, and is 
now c-nfjaj^cd in llic transfer business in Mil- 
waukee; and David S., who was b<jrn Se])tend)er 
20, 1S52, and is employed as dictator with the firm 
of Franklin Mc\'e:ij,'h & Co. , of Chicai;o. Mr. 
and Mrs. Lackey had a family of .seven children, 
six f)f whom are yet living: Mary I., born Janu- 
ary 16, 1857, is the wife of Albert Ackley, a 
fanner; Agnes L. , born February 26, 1859, is 
the wife of S. C. IClson. who is engaged in 
the railroad business in Minnesota; Sarah Iv, 
born June 26, 1863, is the wife of C. A. Dunham, 
of Walworth County; Andrew H., born Septem- 
ber 2, 1S67, is engaged in general farming on the 
old homestead; Ivarl J., born September 14, 1S69, 
is now engaged in the transfer business in Mil- 
waukee; and Leona P., who completes the family, 
was born Novend)er 20, 1S73, and is now living 
with her parents in Troy Center. 

At the time of his marriage, Mr. Lackey 
owned eighty acres of land. Five years previous 
he had started out in life for himself with a cash 
ca])ilal of only ten cents, with which he purchased 
a palm le.if hat. lie w;is :i hard worker, and as 



the result of his untiring labors, he had saved 
enough at the end of five years to purchase the 
farm Ufore mentioned. To this he has added 
from time to time, until he now owns two hun- 
dred and twenty acres of valuable farming land, 
and has a good income, which enables him to lay 
aside business cares and rest in the enjoyment of 
the fruits of his former toil. Energy and careful 
attention to business have been the im]H)rtanl fac- 
tors in his success, and make his life well worthy 
of emulation. 

■Sficially, Mr. Lackey is a member of the Odd 
I-'ellows' lodge, of Palmyra, Wis., and in jioli- 
tics he is a .stalwart RejMiblican, who wannly ad- 
vocates the ]irinciples of his ])arty. He ser\-cd as 
School Clerk and School Director for about ten 
years, and the cau.se of education finds in him a 
warm friend. Both he and his wife hold mem- 
bership with the Mcthodi.st Episcopal Church 
(with which he has been connected .since 1852), 
and are earnest workers in the cause of Christian- 
ity. During their l(»ng residence in Walworth 
County they have become widely known, a!id it 
is with jileasure that we present to our readers 
this record of their lives. 



HENin' ). O'CONNOR. 



HI-;XRV J. OCOXNOR, one of the enterpris- 
ing and progressive business men of White- 
water, now carries on operations as a drug- 
gi.st. He has a neat and well-appointed store, 
stocked with everything to be found in his line, and 
his fair and honest dealing and courteous treat- 
ment of his jiatrons have won for him a liberal ])at- 
ronage, which is constantly increasing. Whitewa- 
ter is his native city. Here he was Ixirn March 2, 
1865, being a representative of one of the hon- 
ored pioneer families of Walworth County. His 
parents were Richard and Elizabeth (Morgan; 



O'Coinior. The former was born in New York, 
March 17, 1S17, Ijut his father was a native of 
the Ivmerald Isle. 

Richard O'Connor became a pharmacist in 
the Empire State, and after coming to the 
West engaged in the drug business for .some 
years. In 1843 he made his way to Whitewater, 
Wis., where for some time he carried on a general 
merchandise .store, and also serv^ed as Postmaster, 
the postofTice being in his .storeroom. In 1S47 
lie end)arked in the hunber business, in conne-ction 
with Mr. Maynard, and afterward engaged in the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



419 



grain trade. In 1857 he purchased a drug store 
and carried on ba.sine.ss along that line until his 
death, which occurred December 27, 1881. His 
wife .still sur\-ives him, and is yet living at the 
old home. From the time he located in Wal- 
worth County he was almost contiiniously in office, 
having served as A.ssessor and Supervisor, and 
in other local po.sitions. He took quite a promi- 
nent part in public affairs, and always gave his 
support to those interests which were calculated 
to promote the general welfare. 

In the O'Connor family are the following chil- 
dren: Lilla; Josephine, now the widow of F.E. 
Day; Dora, Nellie, Fred and H.J. The last-named 
has .spent his entire life in Whitewater, having 
known no other home. He was reared to man- 
hood under the parental roof, acquiring his early 
education in the public schools. Later he was a 
student in the Normal School of Whitewater, and 



after his school days were ended he became a 
clerk in his father's drug store. He was first 
emplo>-ed in that capacity in 1879. He soon be- 
came familiar with the business in all its depart- 
ments, so that when he and his brother .succeeded 
to the .same on his father's death, he brought to it 
experience and thorough knowledge. 

On the 4th of January, 1890, Mr. O'Connor 
was united in marriage with Mi.ss Allie Goodhue, 
daughter of L. M. Goodhue. One child has been 
born to them, Richard. They have a pleasant 
home in Whitewater, and are innnlaered among 
its most highly respected citizens. Mr. O'Con- 
nor is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He 
gives the greater part of his time and attention to 
his busine.ss interests, is recognized as one of 
the leading merchants of the place, and his en- 
terprise and progressive spirit will 110 doubt make 
his career oiie of success. 



SAMUEL FOWLER. 



(TJAMUEL FOWLER, one of the oldest citi- 
^\ zeus of Walworth County, is now living on 
\~/ section 22, Tro\' Township. He was born 
in thetownof Westfield, Hampden County, Ma.ss., 
on the 2d of October, 1807. His father, Lineas 
Fowler, was also a native of that locality, and was 
a farmer by occupation. Having attained to ma- 
ture years, he married Hulda Bagg, a native of 
We.st Springfield, Mass., and to them were born 
three children: Samuel of this .sketch; Charles, 
who has spent his entire life in Westfield, Mass.; 
and Mrs. Lucy Cutler, a resident of Bo.ston, 
Ma.ss. 

The father of this family was called to his final 
rest in 18 17. The mother long survived him, and 
passed away about twenty years ago in B(jston, 
Mass. Samuel Fowler was only about eight years 
of age at the time of his father's death. He was 



reared and educated in his native State, the days 
of his boyhood and youth being quietly pas.sed. 
He began work for himself by operating his 
mother's land, and afterward engaged in ^he 
maiuifacture of whips. He traveled through the 
country .selling the.se whips, this being before 
the days of railroads. In that business he was 
engaged for a period often years, during which 
time he accumulated a small capital. He also 
engaged in the dairy busine.ss, furnishing milk to 
the town.s-people, and carried on other undertak- 
ings in order to benefit his financial resources and 
give himself a start in life. 

On the 6th of January, 1831, Mr. Fowler was 
united in marriage with Mi.ss Dollie A. Dewey, 
daughter of Allen Dewey, a Massachusetts farmer, 
who was born in West vSpringfield. Nine chil- 
dren were born of the union of our subject and 



420 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



his wife, and seven of the number rcachefl mature 
years. Mary K., lM)rn July 5, iR.^2, in West- 
field, Mass., is now keeping lunise for her father; 
Charles W., born November 25, 1S34, is deceased; 
James M., born May 9, 1S37, died in childhood; 
Helen M., born March 20, 1840, is now the wife 
of H. H. Austin, of Kast Troy; Lucy IC, born 
May 30, 1842, died on the 15111 of June, 1885; 
Abbie i{., born January 27, 1844, is the wife 
of J. A. Ilibbard, of Milwaukee; Jane Iv., born 
Sejiteniber 25, 1S47, is the wife of J. K. Keefer. 
a resident of California; and James M., born Jan- 
uary 23, 1S50, is now operating the home farm. 

Mr. Fowler continued to make his home in the 
old Hay State until 1S44, when, accompanied by 
his family, he started westward, believing that he 
mii^ht thereby benefit his financial condition. On 
reaching Wisconsin, he made a location on what 
is now .section 22, Troy Township, W'alworth 
Count)', and purchased one hundred and thirty 
acres of land at $6 per acre. Not a furrow had 
l)een turned or an improvement matle thereon, 
the land being .still in its primitive condition, but 
with characteristic energy he began to jilow and 
plant it, and in course of lime well-tilled fields 
took the jilace of the once wild prairie. As his 



financial resources increased he also extended the 
boundaries of his farm, until it comjni.sed four 
hundred and twenty acres, but of this he has since 
soltl one hundred acres. His home is an elegant 
two-storj- residence, and is sup])lemented by go(Kl 
barns and outbuildings, and all the acces.sorics 
found upon a model farm. The Fowler home- 
stead is regarded as one of the be.st-improved 
places in the county. Its owner has made gen- 
eral farming his life work, and now in his declin- 
ing years is living retired, resting in the enjoy- 
ment c)f the fruits of his former toil. 

In 1885, Mr. F'owler was called upon to mourn 
the loss of his wife, who cro.s.«ed the dark river to 
the home beyond on the 5th of June. She 
was a consistent member of the Methodist F'pis- 
copal Church, and was his faithful comjian- 
ion and helpmate for fifty-four years. Mr. Fowler 
is al.so a mend)er of the Methodist Church, and 
his life has been in harmony with his jirofessions. 
He ca.st his first Presidential vote in November, 
1S28, was for some time a Free-soiler, and since 
the organization of the Reimblican party has been 
one of its nio.st stalwart supporters. His long life 
has been well s])ent, and is worthy of enud.ition. 



JOHN ri«:\m<:k. 



(lollX RlvXXI'R, who devotes his lime and 
I energies to agricultural pursuits on section 3, 
G/ Sugar Creek Townslii]), Walworth Cfnuity, 
was born on the 22d of January, 1838, in Baden, 
Germany, and was the fifth in order of birth in a 
fiimily of eight children, whose parents were Cas- 
per and Ivli/al)eth Reniier. The father was also 
a native of Haden, was reared upon a farm, and 
.some years after his marriage, with his family, emi- 
grated to America. It was in 1848 that he bade 
adieu to friends and native land and crossed the 



deep to New York City. I''ur two years he 
worked on a farm in Ihal localit\-, and in the 
spring of 1850 made his way t<i Racine, Wis. 
There he rented a farm and carried on agricultur- 
al pursuits until 1S67, when lie came to Walworth 
County and made his home with our subject until 
his death, which occurred at the very advanced 
age of ninety-one years. His remains were in- 
terred in Tibl)itt's Cemetery, in .Sugar Creek 
Township. In his iiolilical views he was a RejHibli- 
ean, and was a worthy and u.seful citizen. His 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



421 



wife, who was also born in Baden, died in this 
county, at the age of sixty-four. Both were 
members of the Evangelical Church. 

John Renner spent the first ten years of his life 
in the Fatherland, and then came with his parents 
to the New World. In the usual manner of farm- 
er lads he was reared, through the winter sea- 
son attending the common schools, and in the 
summer months aiding in the labors of the field. 
No event of special importance occurred during 
his childhood. At the age of twenty-four he left 
home, and went to the defen.se of the Union, for 
his adopted country was engaged in civil war. 
In December, 1862, he became a member of Com- 
pany K, Thirty-first Wisconsin Infantry, and 
continued with that command until after the South 
had laid down its arms, when he was honorably 
discharged. He took part in many important 
engagements, including the battles of Peach Tree 
Creek, Atlanta, Savannah and Bentonville, and 
went with Sherman on the celebrated march to 
the sea. He was very fortunate, in that he was 
never wounded or taken prisoner. At the close 
of the vvar Mr. Renner returned to Wi.sconsin, 
and purchased a farm on section 3, Sugar Creek 
Township, where he has since made his home. 
Its boundaries he has extended until it now com- 
prises two hundred and .seventy-five acres, the 



greater part of which is under a high state of ciil- 

ti\-ation and well improved. 

Mr. Renner was married on the 6th of Novem- 
ber, 1859, the lady of his choice being Miss Eliz- 
abeth Gilcher, who was born Ajjril 29, 1835, in 
Bavaria, Germany, and came to America when 
twenty years of age. One child has been born to 
them, George H., who was born on the 19th of 
April, 1861, and is still at home. 

Mr. Renner is a stanch Republican, and takes 
quite an active part in local politics. He keeps 
well informed on all the leading topics of the daj-, 
and has .served as delegate to the County Repub- 
lican Conventions. vSocially, he is a member of 
R. B. Hayes Post No. 76, G. A. R., of Elkhorn, 
and he and his wife hold membership with the 
Evangelical Church. Their lives have been well 
spent, and in this community they are both wide- 
ly and favorably known. Mr. Renner was a 
faithful soldier of the Union, and the .same fidelity 
with which he served his country he has always 
manifested in the discharge of his duties, whether 
public or private. He has now a comfortable 
competence, which was acquired entirely through 
his own efforts, and his life therefore demonstrates 
what can be accomplished through industr\-, per- 
severance and well-directed efforts. 



JAMES G. KESTOL. 



(Tames G. KESTOL, a practicing attorney of 
I Whitewater, Wis., who occupies a prominent 
v2/ place at the Walworth County Bar, and is a 
dealer in real estate, was born in Richmond, on 
the gth of May, 1854. His parents, Peter and 
Anna (Steenson) Kestol, were both natives of 
Norway, and in 1851 left that country for Amer- 
ica, crossing the broad Atlantic in a .sailing-ve.ssel. 
In the Old Country the father engaged in hotel - 



keeping and in farming. After landing in New 
York, he went by way of the canal to Buffalo, and 
thence by steamer to Milwaukee, from which 
place he came to Walworth County. He had 
been led to come to the New World through 
accoiuits received of the advantages and priv- 
ileges here afforded. On reaching his destina- 
tion, he purchased land on section 2, Richmond 
Township, and began the development of a 



422 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



farm, continuing its cultivation until his death, 
which (iccurrcd in March, 1882, at the aj;e of 
sixty-nine years. His wife i)a.sscd away in 
June, 1866. In their family were eleven chil- 
dren. One .son, Je.sse, enlisttd in the late 
war in 1S62, as a mend)er of Conii)aiiy K, Tliir- 
teenth Regiment of Wisconsin \'ohniteers, and 
died at Ft. Donelson in June, 1863. Another son 
died in infancy. Nine of the family are yet liv- 
ing, and .seven of the number are residents of 
Wisconsin, One sister, Mrs. Jennie Thompson, 
makes her home in Xehraska, and another, Martha 
O., is living ill Chicago. The others are: Mary, 
wife of John liill, of Milwaukee; Christina, of 
Walworth Couiit\-; Ste])heii, a farmer and dealer 
in furs of Richmond Townshi]); Cliaunce\- C, a 
real-e.stateand loan dealer, oi Lake Geneva; James 
G.; Joseph B., a farmer of Richmond Township; 
and Cora S., who is living in Richmond. 

Mr. KlsIoI whose name heads this record was 
educated in the common schools, and in the Com- 
mercial College of Janesville, Wis., from which 
he was graduated in llie year 1872. His first in- 
dependent effort in life was as a dealer in hoots 
and shoes. He continued business along tliat 
line ill Evanston, 111., for three years, after which 
he .sold out and look up farming, which he fol- 



lowed until 1882. He then entered the law of- 
fice of VV'eeks & Steele, of Whitewater, and on 
the iSlh of September, 18S3, was admitted to the 
Bar. Until iSSC) he continued with his pre-cejv 
tors, but since that time has been alone in busi- 
ness. In addition to praclicx; he is engaged in 
the real-estate and insurance business, and in 
note and bill brokerage. 

On tlie Stli of Octol)er, i,s,S5, .Mr. Keslol was 
united in marriage with Miss Mary L. Ivlwards, 
a daughter of S. B. Edwards. They have a 
plea.saiit home in Whitewater, and are numbered 
among its most highly re.sjiecled citizens. They 
are attendants at the services of the Congrega- 
tional Church, and Mr. Kestol is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity. He votes with the Republi- 
can party and takes quite an active interest in jx)- 
lilical affairs. He has served as delegate to the 
couiit\- and State conventions, ami has served as 
Cit\- Clerk and Justice of the Peace, but has usu- 
ally ,soiight political preferment for others, and 
not for liini,self He is a man of fine appearance, 
pleasing in manner, a ,social, genial gentleman, 
pojuilar with all cla,sses. His native couiit\- has 
found in him a valued citi/en, and in its history 
he well deserves representation. 



A. O. RICHMOND. 



(31 O, RICHMOND, wlio is now living a re- 
I 1 tired life in Troy Center, enjoying the rest 
I I which he has so truly earned and richly de- 
serves, was born on the loth of February, 1S23, 
in Le Roy, Geiie.see County, N, Y. His father, 
Simeon Richmond, who was born June ly, 179S, 
was a native of Herkimer Couiitv, N, V., but 
went in his youth to Providence R. I. He 
receivetl no special advantages in his youth: in 
fact, his. cliildlu)od was largeh' taken up with 



work, and thesuccessof liislife wasdueeiitirel\ to 
his own efforts. For some time he lived with an 
uncle, and with the wages he received for his la- 
bors, he went from Providence, R. I., to Gene.see 
County, N. Y., walking this distance. He ]>ur- 
chased a farm in Genesee County, N. Y., when 
he was twenty-two years of age. As a compan- 
ion and helpmate on life's journey, he chose Eliza- 
beth Curtis, a native of the Iviiii)ire State, their 
wedding being celebrated Februarv 10, 1820. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



423 



He accumulated one hundred and eighty acres of 
land in New York, but after a time sold that 
propert}-, and in 1845 emigrated to the Territory 
of Wisconsin, settling on section 21, Troy Town- 
ship. There he purchased a farm, and to its cul- 
tivation and improvement devoted his energies 
throughout his remaining days. While in the 
East, he served as School Trustee, and after com- 
ing West was Justice of the Peace. He died May 
I, 1875, at the age of .seventy-.seven, and his 
wife, who was born April 23, 1801, pa.ssed awaj' 
on the 5th of January, 1879. 

This worthy couple were the parents of ten 
children, of whom An.son O. is the eldest. Ar- 
minda M. is now the wife of Fred L,ull, of Wind- 
sor, Vt. ; D. La Fayette, born March 27, 1827, 
now follows farming in Troy Township; Simeon 
S., born September 8, 1829, and Leander, born 
May 25, 1831, are both agriculturists of Troy 
Township; Elizabeth J., born July 3, 1833, is 
now living in North Greenfield, Wis.; Ellen, 
born June 7, 1836, is the wife of William Em- 
met, of Whitewater; William H. H., born Au- 
gust 6, 1838, is an inmate of the Madison Asy- 
lum; Mary, born January 3, 1842, is the wife 
of John Medbury, a farmer of South Dakota; and 
George F., born March 19, 1847, is proprietor of 
a meat-market in North Greenfield, Wis. 

No event of special importance occurred during 
the boyhood and youth of Anson O. Richmond. 
He remained with his parents in New York until 
twenty-two years of age, when he bade adieu to 
his old home and accompanied his father to Mich- 
igan, but after a time he went to Ohio, and 
entered the college at Kirtland, that State, where 
he pursued his studies for a year, paying his tui- 
tion by giving singing- lessons. In June, 1S46, 
he came to Walworth County, to the home of his 
father, and here he also carried on singing-schools. 
Part of his time he devoted to work as a farm 
hand, being in the employ of one man for nine 
years, a fact which indicates his faithfulness to 
his employer's interests. Upon his marriage he 
rented a farm, which he made his home for four 
years, when its owner died, and he left the place. 
In 1873 he bought a farm of one hundred and 



sixty acres in Troy Township, the purchase price 
being $6,000. Of this sum he owed $4,000, and 
had to pay interest at the rate of ten per cent, on 
the same for several years, but as time pa.ssed 
his efforts were crowned witli pro.sperit\ , he paid 
off all indebtedne.ss, and now owes no man a 
dollar. 

On the 22d of May, 1866, was celebrated the 
marriage of Mr. Richmond and Miss Catherine 
E. Goodrich, daughter of Sheldon and Julia A. 
(Taylor) Goodrich. Her parents were natives 
of New York, and her father was the second white 
male child born in his county. The date of his 
birth was October 3, 1797, and his wife was Ijorn 
November 3, 1805. Her death occurred October 

5, 1857, and he survived her until May 22, 186S, 
when he was also called to the home beyond. 
Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich were the parents of five 
children: Catherine E. , who was born October 

6, 1827, and is now the wife of our subject; vSn- 
sanna H., who was born June 4, 1829, and is the 
wife of Erastus Cogswell, of Ottumwa, Iowa; 
Sarah L. , who was born November 21, 1830, and 
died September 28, i860; Asahel G., who was 
born October 5, 1832, and was killed by the cars 
August 30, 1853; and Samuel S. who was born 
December 17, 1S42. The latter is now in the 
employ of Lindsay Bros., of Milwaukee, Wis., 
and has a residence at Ba}' View. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Richmond were born two 
children. Addie, born January 15, 1867, is now 
the wife of Robert Branfort, a farmer of Troy 
Township; and Elizabeth S., born March- 17, 
1S6S, is the wife of W. S. Bunker, and is living 
with her parents in Troy Center. The\- also have 
two grandchildren. The Richmond home is the 
abode of ho.spitality, and the members of the 
hou.sehold rank high in social circles. In 1890 
our subject removed from the farm to Troy 
Center, where he is now living a retired life, the 
competence which he has acquired supplying him 
with all that he desires. In politics, he is a Dcm- 
crat. He has .served as vSchool Superintendent of 
his township, and is now acceptably filling tlie 
office of Justice of the Peace. 



424 



PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



A\I)Rr:\\ I. HLISS. 



GlXDRIvW J. lUJSS. who resides on section 
I 1 2^, Tniy Towiivhiii, is llic owner of one of 
I I the finest farms in this section of Walwortli 
County. It comprises one hundred and sixty 
acres of rich and arable land, which is now under 
a high state of cultivation, and in the mid.st of 
well-tilled fields stand a good residence and barns 
and other outbuildings such as are foiuul ujuin a 
model farm. The im])rovements were all placed 
there by the owner, who is regarded as one of the 
jiractical and progressive agriculturists of the 
conuniuiity. 

TIr life record of our subject is as follows: Ik- 
was born September 28, 1S30, in Cortland Count> , 
N. Y., and is a .son of Gideon and Pruileucc 
(Pease) Bliss, both of whom were natives of 
Mas.sacluisetts County, N. H. The father was a 
farmer, and about 1X26 removed to New York, 
where he purchased land and carried on agricul- 
tural ])ursuits until bis death, which occurred in 
\S(^2. The mother, with her son and daughter, 
afterward emigrated westward and .sellled on a 
farm in Walworth County, Wis. 

Andrew J. liliss began life for him.self when a 
youth of thirteen summer.^, (lri\ inn hor.ses on the 
olil Krie Canal. He came with the family to the 
West in i.S4_v :uid aided in opening up the farm 
until 1830, when he went to California, attracted 
by the discovery of gold on the Pacific Slope. He 
engaged in mining, and was fairly .successful, but 
his health failed him, and he returned tothe Badger 
State in 1852. He then jiurchased a farm in La- 
I-'ayette Township, comprising eighty acres, and 
devoted his time and attention to its cultivation 
aiul improvement for two years, when he sold out 
and embaike<l in the manufacture of brooms. 
That venture proved a profitable one, and he con- 



tinued operations along that line until 1S64, wlien 
he left his wife and five children and entered the 
service of his country. He was a member <jf Coui- 
l)any 1), Third Wisconsin Cavalry, luider Capt. 
Perry, and continued at the front until the clo.se 
of the war. 

Mr. Bliss was married on the istof June, 1852, 
to Miss Phila Hibbard, daughter of Klias Hibbard. 
of Massachusetts, who came to the Territory of 
Wisconsin in 1843, and in Walworth County made 
his home luitil called to his final rest. Seven 
children graced the union of Mr. and Mrs. Bliss, 
four of whom are yet living. Mrs. Alice De Witt, 
the eldest, died January 21, 1888, leaving one son; 
I.eauora is at home: Emily is the wile of Charles 
McNaughtou, a resident of Ea Grange Towuslii]); 
Jennie is at home: Dwiglit J. operates the home 
farm; and Henry is now decea.sed. The nu)ther 
of this family was called to her final rest August 
29, 1885, and her remains were interred in Troy 
Cemetery. 

After his return from the war, Mr. Bliss engaged 
in the dry-goods and grocery Iju.siness, and also 
in the manufacture of brooms in Troy for four 
years. He received from the ])ublic a lilx;ral pat- 
ronage, was quite successful, and save 1 consider- 
able monex', but his health became impaired, and 
with the hope that a change of occui)ation might 
prove beneficial, I'.e engaged in railroad con- 
struction. The suLCCvding five years of his life 
were thus i>a.ssed, on the expiration of which 
period he purchased a farm of one hundred and 
thirty-three acres, on .sections 26 and 35, Troy 
T(jwnshi]), and has since made his home thereon. 
He has, however, extended the boundaries of his 
farm until it now comprises one hundred and 
sixty-eight acres, and iu return for the care and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



427 



cultivation he bestows upon it it yields to him a 
golden tribute. He is now successfully engaged 
in general farming and stock-raising. 

Mr. Bliss ca.st his first Presidential vote for 
James Buchanan in 1856, and since the organiza- 
tion of the Republican party has been one of its 
stalwart supporters. He has filled all of the town- 



ship offices, including those of Collector and As- 
sessor, and to those who know him it is needless 
to say that he discharged his duties with prompt- 
ness and fidelity. He is a member of the Odd 
Fellows' vSociety and the Grand Army of the Re- 
public. 



ORLO S. CANRIGHT, M. D. 



0RI.O S. CANRIGHT, M. D., one of the 
successful physicians of Walworth County, 
who now makes his home in East Troy, has 
the honor of being a native of the Badger State, 
his birth having occurred in Pewaukee. Wauke- 
.sha County, on the 27th of July, 1857. The 
paternal grandfather, Solomon Canright, was a 
native of ULster County, N. Y., where he was 
born September 13, 1799, and was of Scotch 
descent. His wife, who was born in the Green 
Mountain State, June 13, 1806, and was of 
French lineage, died in 1891. 

Solomon Canright became a tanner and won 
considerable propert}', but afterwards lost much 
of it. He then came we.st to Milwaukee, where 
he retrieved his lost possessions, becoming quite 
wealthy. His death occurred in Wauke.sha, 
when seventy years of age. John Canright, fa- 
ther of Solomon, was born in Rhinebeck, N. Y., 
in 1754, and married Nancy Morris, who was 
born in 1761. The father of John was Hiram 
Canright, a native of Philadelphia, Pa., born in 
1727. He married Hannah Ziro, who was born 
on the Rhine in 1737. Thus we trace the Doc- 
tor's genealogy to Hiram Canright, the first of 
the name of whom we have any record in America. 
John E. Canright, father of our subject, is a 
native of New York, and has made farming his 
life work. He was born February 3, 1833, and 
is one of ten children, who by their parents 



were brought to the West in an early cfay. They 
landed at Milwaukee, and thence went to Prairie- 
ville, now Waukesha. After he had arrived at 
mature >ears, John E. Canright purchased a farm 
of one hundred and sixty acres, which he im- 
proved and sold for $10,000. He married Delia 
H. Walbridge, who was born in New York, and 
is a daughter of Orlo Walbridge, who was born 
in the same State, and was of French lineage. 
He was a shrewd and successful business man, 
who carried on hotel-keeping in several different 
cities, and died at the age of seventy-two years. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Canright are members of the 
Methodist Church, in which he is serving as 
vSteward. He was for eighteen mouths a soldier 
in the late war, participated in the battles of 
Nashville and Chattanooga, and was all through 
the Tennessee campaign. In the family were 
nine children, four sons and five daughters, seven 
of whom are yet living, namely: Orlo S. ; Charles, 
who makes his home in Milwaukee; Frank, of 
Fairmont, Minn. ; Charlotte, wife of George 
Swearingen, also of Fairmont; and Delia, Amy 
and Harry, who are living with their parents in 
Fairmont. 

The Doctor was reared in the county of his 
nativity, and entered Carroll College, from which 
he would have graduated had not the .school 
failed, six months prior to the time of the comple- 
tion of his course. Taking up the study of medi- 



22 



42S 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



cine, 1r- iK-eaiiie a studfiil in Knsli Mirdical Col- 
lejjf, of Cliicaj;o, fnun which lie was j;radnatO(l 
on lliL- 1 9lh of February, iHS^. He then localeil 
in RuscTnont, Minn., where lie remained for .-.ix 
months, wlieii he o])cne<l an office in I'rincetoii, 
Minn., lliere makinj; his home for three and a- 
half years. 

On the 22(1 of l-eliriiary, i.S.S.s, Dr. Canright 
was united in marriajje with Miss Susie L. I'rall, 
danj^hter of Leonard and Charlotte (Ayres) 
Pratt, the former a native of Maine, and the latter 
of New York. Their uniun has been ble.s.sed 
with two children, Warren R. and Orlo Wayne. 
In March, 1SS5, they came to Kast Troy, where 



they have since resided. Their liome is a pleas- 
ant and conniio<lious residence, and they are both 
widely and favorably known in this community. 
Dr. Canrij;ht is a Master Ma.son. is a member 
of the Modern Woodmen of America, and is 
Medical lixaminer for several societies. He al.so 
belonj;s to the Wi.sconsin State Medical Society, 
and in politics is a su]>j)orter of the men and 
measures of the Republican party. His success 
in life is due to earnest a|>plication anil well-di- 
rected efforts, and in the line of his profession he 
has won a re]>utation for skill and al)ility which 
is well deserved. 



I- RANK L. I-RAS1:R. 



l^k.WK I,. l-'RASlvR, who owns and oi)erates 
f^ three hnndied acres of land on section 1. 
I Ivast Troy Townshiji, Walworth Coinit>', 
has taken cpiite a prominent jiart in public affairs, 
having fre(inently been called upon to .serve in 
po.sitions of honor and tru.st. He was born in a 
mining-cam]) at Xegro Hill, Cal., September 29, 
1S54. 'T"l i^ a .son of Alex and Julia (Criles) 
Fraser. The father was a native of .Scotland, and 
in his early life followeil farming. At the age of 
twenty-two years he went to California, where he 
engaged in mining, si)ending eight years on the 
Pacific Slo])e. He was (juite successful as a 
miner, and also did a good business as an engi- 
neer. When about thirty years of age he re- 
turned to Kast Troy, Wis., and i)urchased the 
farm upon which he has made his home contin- 
uously since. He there reared his two .sons, t)olh 
of whom follow farming in this locality, the 
younger being James, an agriculturist of Ivast 
Troy. Close attention to business, combined 
with industry and good management, has brought 
to Mr. Fraser .success, and in his undertakings he 



has prospered. He is now the owner of four 
hundred and twenty acres of valuable land, which, 
in return for the care and cultivation he bestows 
u])on it, \ ields to him a gooil income. The place 
is well iniproveil with go<Kl buildings and all con- 
\enienccs and accessories, and is regarded as one 
of the valuable farms of the neighborhood. 

I'nder the ])arenlal roof Mr. l'"ra.ser of this 
sketch was reared to manhooil, and aidetl in tlie 
lal)ors of the home farm, but in the meantime he 
studied law with Judge Hand, of Racine, and was 
admitle<l to the Par in 1.S76. In order to prose- 
cute his legal .studies he engaged in teaching, and 
w^hen his law course was com]>lete(l, he resumed 
that occupation. During the uKinths of vacation 
his time and attention were devoted to farm 
work. 

On the 22d of March, 1.S76, Mr. Fraser was 
united in marriage with Mi.ss I^li/.abeth H.iller, 
daughter of Jacob Haller, a native of .Switzerland, 
now living in East Troy. He came to Wiscon- 
sin in 1.S36, long before the .State was admitted to 
the Union, and locate<l upon the farm which he 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 



429 



still occupies. He there owns one hundred and 
eighty acres of rich land, which yields to him a 
golden tribute in return for the care and cultiva- 
tion he bestows upon it. His wife was called to 
her final rest in March, 1894. In their family 
were eight children, and their .son Jacob is now 
living on the old homestead with his father. To 
Mr. and Mrs. Fraser has been born one child, 
Rebecca, her birth having occurred on the 14th 
of February, 1877. She is now attending the 
Burlington High School, from which she will 
graduate in the spring of 1895, after which she 
will be sent to the Madi.son University, and will 
be highly educated in nuisic. 

Mr. and Mrs. Fraser began their domestic life 
upon his father's farm, where they lived for two 
years, when his father gave them .some property, 
and they removed to their present farm. Its 
boundaries, however, have l)een extended by our 
subject until it now conipri.ses three hundred 



acres. The fields are well tilled, everything is 
kept in good repair, and the place is neat and 
thrifty in appearance. He now carries on general 
farming and stock-raising, making a .specialty of 
the breeding of sheep, and is also engaged in the 
dairy business. 

In his .social relations, Mr. Fraser is a Mason. 
He votes with the Republican party, and has fre- 
quently been called upon to serve in positions of 
public trust. He is now serving as Chairman of 
the Town Board and County Board of Super- 
visors, having filled the latter office for six years; 
was Justice of the Peace for eight years; has been 
Treasurer of the School District six years; was 
the first Postmaster of Lake Beulah ; and is now 
repre.sentating his district in the General Assem- 
bly. His opportunities have been well improved, 
and his honorable and upright life has gained for 
him universal confidence and esteem 



CALEB ELLSWORTH HARE. 



EALEB ELLSWORTH HARE, who is now 
living a retired life in Richmond Wis., was 
born in the town of Hallowell, Prince Ed- 
ward County, Canada, August 24, 1815. His 
father, Daniel Hare, was a native of Dutchess 
County, N. Y. , but about 1776, when he was a 
child of twelve years, his parents removed to 
Canada, where he grew to manhood and followed 
farming. He married Hulda Ellsworth, a native 
of Rhode Island, who, during her maidenhood, 
went to Prince Edward County. Thirteen chil- 
dren were born of their union, of whom Caleb E. 
is the youngest son living. He and his sisters, 
Rachel and Hulda, who are now residing in Can- 
ada, are the only surviving members of the family. 
The parents were members of the Methodist 
Church, and were highly respected people. The 
father died jn Canada, January 31, 1842, and sev- 



eral >ears later his wife passed away. The family 
originally came from Holland. 

Mr. Hare of this sketch grew to manhood uppn 
his father's farm, and received but limited school 
privileges, yet through his own efforts acquired 
a fair education. As a companion and helpmate 
on life's journey, he chose Miss Mary Fergu.son, 
their wedding being celebrated in 1838. Her fa- 
ther, Farrington Ferguson, removed from Long 
Island to Prince Edward County, Canada, about 
1776, and located on a farm, which he made his 
home until his death, in 1842. His wife survived 
him for several years, and pa.ssed away at the ad- 
vanced age of one hundred. 

For a number of years after his marriage Mr. 
Hare followed farming near the old homestead, 
Init on the 9th of September, 1841, the parents 
and their six children started for Wisconsin, and 



430 



PORTRiVlT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 



after a voyage of eight days on the Lakes landed 
at Milwaukee. For a month they remained in that 
dty, and then removed to a farm a mile north of 
Waukesha, where they remained until the follow- 
ing spring. Six months were i)a.ssed on a re.ser- 
vation, after which they located in Jefferson 
County, north of Ft. Atkinson, where two years 
were pa.s.sed. Their ne.xl home was upon a farm 
near Hebron, Jefferson County, where tliey sixrnt 
two years, then removing to a fann ea.st of 
Whitewater, wliich contiiuied to he tlieir home 
until 1857, at which time Mr. Hare rented land 
on section 16, Sharon Townslii]>, Walworth Coun- 
ty. A year later he purcha.sed that farm, and 
made it his home for nine years. He then .sold 
out and went to Pawnee County, Neix, where 
lie purcha.sed a fine farm, hut afterwards dispo.sed 
of it, and resided for some time in Clear Creek 
Township, Nemaha County, Kan., where he en- 
tered a homestead, living uj)on it for seven years. 
On selling that property, he purchased a home 
in Abilene, Kan., but, 011 account of illness, he 
was forced to dispo.se of bin property and return 
to Richmond, Wis., where he has since lived. 

During the late war Mr. Hare manifested his 
loyalty by enlisting, December i, 1S61, in Compa- 
ny II, Thirteenth Wisconsin Infantry, under Capt. 
J. L. Pratt, of Whitewater, and Col. Maloney. 
He served for six months, when he was disabled 
by a heavily loaded army wagon running over 
him. This was on May 23, 1.S62, and he was con- 
fined in the hospital until the folhnving October, 



when he was ordered to rejoin his regiment at Ft. 
Henry, Tenn., and was there tlischargetl, on ac- 
count of his disabilities, on the 30th of I)ecemlx;r. 
He also had some military exiK-rience in Canada, 
serving for .some weeks in the militia, during the 
Rebellion of 1837-38. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Hare were born eight chil- 
dren: Hannah, wife of William Carkey, of Kan- 
sas; Loucetta, wife of Louis Carnes, of Michi- 
gan; Martha, Mrs. Clark; Ambro.se R., who 
owns a large farm adjoining his father's home; 
Clarissa, wife of Charles H. Hare, of Pawnee 
City, Neb.; Elizabeth, wife of William Root, of 
Delavan; Peter S., who was accideiitallv killed 
by a fall, August 3, 1873, when about twenty -t)ne 
years of age; and Daniel W. 

Mr. Hare has always been a stanch Republican, 
and aided in organizing the party in this k>cality. 
His life has been an eventful and busy one. I-"or 
several years he was Postmaster of Richmond, and 
owns the store-building in which the po.stoffice is 
located. For three years he also engaged in 
merchandising. He is a typical pioneer, and is 
one of the few early settlers that are left to tell 
the story of the da\s when Walworth County was 
situated on the frontier. He has witnessed almost 
the entire growth and develojiment of this region, 
and has ever borne his part in the work of prog- 
ress and advancement. He is held in the highest 
regard by a large circle of friends and ac<iuaint- 
ances, and with pleasure we present this record 
of his life to our readers. 



HON. v. I). W'KHKS. 



NON. T. I). Wlvl'^KS is a man not merely oflo- His broad and cultured mind fits him to be a leader 

cal, but of State reputation. He makes his of the i)eop!e, and through merit he has ri.sen to 

home in Whitewater, where he is engaged in the prominent jxisition which he now occupies, 

the practice of law, and at this writing is the Repre- Mr. Weeks was born in Norwich, Mas.s., No- 

.sentative from his di.strict in the Stall.- Senate. veml>er 5, 1S32, and is a sou of Spencer and Elvira 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



431 



(Dimock) Weeks, who were also natives of the 
Bay State. He traces his ancestry back to George 
Weeks, who in 1635 crossed the Atlantic and be- 
came one of the earl}' Puritan settlers of Dorches- 
ter, in the Ma.ssacliusetts Baj- Colony. He is said 
to have been of an ancient and honorable family of 
Devonshire, England, whose original name was 
Wrej-, and tradition says the family was of Hu- 
guenot origin. The coat-of-arms is described in 
Burke's Heraldr}- as, "Ermine, three battle-axes 
sable;" the crest, "An arm embowered in armor 
proper, holding a battle-axe gules. ' ' The mottoes 
are, "Cari Deo nihilo carent," — "Those dear to 
God lack nothing;" "Vitfe via\-irtus," — "The 
way of life, virtue;" — "Pra;stea et persta," — 
"Stand first and .stand firm." 

George Weeks came to America in the same 
ship with Rev. Richard Mather. He took a 
special interest in education, as is shown by the 
old town record. His death occurred December 
28, 1650. The spelling of the name was changed 
to Weeks in two or three generations. Some of 
the famil}' have been graduates of colleges, a few 
have become clergymen, phxsicians and lawj'ers, 
a large proportion have been farmers, some have 
been mechanics, a considerable number have en- 
gaged in mercantile pursuits, and many of the 
Massachusetts branches have been sea-faring men. 
William, son of George Weeks, was born in Eng- 
land about 1628, and it is related of him that he 
was the bold innovator who re.stored the practice 
of designating the months by the "heathen" 
names instead of numbers. He held various of- 
fices, and died December 13, 1677. His eldest 
son, John, was born February 23, 1651, and mar- 
ried Sarah Hanunond, November 4, 1674. He 
followed farming, and died prior to October, 17 14. 
His fourth child, William, was born March 23, 
168S, and his youngest child, Hezekiah, was born 
about 1739. It is said that the last-named was 
apprenticed to a blacksmith, but ran away to Nor- 
wich, Mass., and settled about si.K hundred acres 
of land on the We.stfield River. He served in the 
Revolutionary War, and followed blacksmithing 
and farming. He married Ruth Cole, of Worth- 
ington, and died April 22, iSig, in his eigh- 
tieth year. His son Samuel, born about 1764, 



served as his father's substitute in the Revo- 
lution from 1780 to i78'3, and was one of the 
guard over Maj. Andre. In 1789, he mar- 
ried Lydia Williams, of Saybrook, Conn., suc- 
ceeded to the ownership of his father's farm, lived 
a worthy life, and died in Southampton, Mass., 
March 15, 1843. His son Spencer, born in 1797, 
was married May i, 1817, to Elvira Dimock, 
who was born Augu.st 5, 1798, and was a daugh- 
ter of Thomas and Sophia Dimock. This worthy 
couple resided for a time in Darien, Gene.see 
County, N. Y., and in 1S43 came to Lyons, Wal- 
worth County, Wis., where the father died No- 
vember 5, 1859. His wife passed away February 

ID, 1883. 

Our SHbject was the eighth child born to this 
worthy couple. He was educated in Prof. Buck's 
Academy in Milwaukee, where he pursued a 
preparatorj- course, and in Lawrence University 
of Appleton, from which he was graduated in 
1858. With his parents he had come to the West 
in 1843. Their family numbered ten children, of 
whom five are j-et living, namely: Otis and George 
v., both farmers of Lyons Township; Mrs. Elvira 
Wait, of Lyons; Mrs. Harriet Fonda, of White- 
water; and Thompson D. Lewis S. , who died in 
Elkhorn in May, 1893, became a verj- wealthy 
citizen, and prior to his death lived retired. Mrs. 
Almena died in Milwaukee; Mrs. Maria Van 
Tine died in Lyons in i860; Mrs. Eliza Spencer, 
in Appleton, Wis.; and Mrs. Sophia Ross is also 
deceased . 

After completing his literary education, Mr. 
Weeks of this sketch attended the Albany Law 
School of New York, from which he was gradu- 
ated in 1859. He then entered the law-office of 
Judge Lyon, of Racine, with whom he remained 
for si.x months in order to obtain practical expe- 
rience. On the expiration of that period he opened 
an office in Whitewater, where he has since car- 
ried on the pro.secution of his chosen profession. 
He practices in all the courts of the State and is 
an able member of the Bar, a man of deep thought, 
a clear and logical .speaker, verj- convincing in 
argument. He has been retained as counsel on 
some of the most important cases in the State. 

On the 7th of June, 1865, Mr. Weeks was united 



432 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



in marriage with Miss AtUlelaide Hall, adopted 
daughter of S. C. Hall, and to tlieiii liave lx.-eii 
born two children: Ik-leii L., wife of Lucius 
W'akeley, of Chicajjo; and Charles S., at home. 
Mr. Weeks belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and 
in his political views, he is a stalwart Republican. 



In 1867, he was elected to the State Legislature, 
in 1875 to the Senate, and in 1892, he was 
again cho.sen State Senator. For seventeen years 
he was a regent of the Stale Normal ScIkjoIs. He 
has never sought office, but has Ijeen called by his 
party as one of its represent at i\e men. 



i-DW'iN i)i:lc)s com. 



""I)\V1X DKLOS COK is a member of a 
'3 family whose ancestry has been traced back 
__ to i59f>, at which time Rol)ertCo<K' was born 
in Suffolkshire, Ivngland. This is the spelling of 
the name found in the records of the Custom 
House, Westminister Hall, Lfjndon, while "I*"<)x's 
Book of Martyrs" gives it Coo. In many of the 
early records of New England it is written Co. 
An original signature found in the town records 
of Jamaica, Long Islaixl, written February 14, 
1663, is "Robert Coe, " while a .second signature 
of the same name, made sixteen days later, omits 
the final "e." As far as is known, the family 
migrated to eastern luigland from Holland, as a 
result of the devastation caused t)y the .Spanish 
invasion of the Xetheilands. The earliest notice 
of them which can now be found is in "Fox's 
Book of M.irtyrs," which states that Roger Coo, 
of Milford, Suffolkshire, was burned by Queen 
Mary, in Se])lember, 1555, at Vexford, in that 
shire. I'ox gives a fidl account of his trial and 
defense. 

April 10, 1634, the ship "l-'rancis," John Cut- 
ting master, sailed from Iiiswich, England, bear- 
ing Robert Cooe, his wife, Anna (born in 1591), 
their three sons, and seventv-nine others. They 
reached Boston in June, and Roburt Cooc settled 
with his family at Watertown, Mass., where he was 
made a freeman SeiHember 3, i r>34. The next >ear, 
he removed with others to Welhersfidd, Comi., 
where lhe\- purchased laud from llic Intlians. The 



letter of dismission granted by the church atWater- 
town to Kol)erl Coi>e and five others was ratified 
and confirmed by the first court held at Hartforcl, 
April 2C1, 1636. A difficulty soon arose in the 
church, and on the 3d of October, 1640, Andrew 
Ward and Robert Cooe, on behalf of themselves 
and about twenty- others bought Stamford of New 
Haven Colony for thirty-three .sovereigns, and 
conunenced a settlement there. April 5, 1643, a 
court was established at Stamford, and Robert Cooe 
was ajipointed one of the assistant judges. In the 
spring of i/>44, with several others, he formed the 
first English settlement at Hempstead, Long I.s- 
land. Eight years later, he aided in establishing 
a .settlement at Middleburg, now Xewtown, Long 
Island. He was a magistrate during his residence 
there, and took a leading ])art in all affairs of the 
town. In ift^C-t, he was appointed a deputy to 
invoke the aid of the New England Colonies in 
jirotecling the English settlements on Long I.sland 
from attacks by the Dutch and Indians. In No- 
vember of the same year, he was sent as a delegate 
to confer with the Burgomasters of New .Amster- 
dam in forming some jilan for the common safety. 
Ivarl>- in iC)56, he joined several others in com- 
mencing a settlement in Jamaica. They purchased 
land from the Indians, the certificate of imrchase 
being .signed by Robert Cooe and seventeen others, 
March 21, 1656. He was a])pointe(l a magi.strate 
of the town in 1659. •t"' represented it in May, 
i6fi4, in the General Convention at Hartford, by 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



433 



which body he was appointed Commissioner for 
Jamaica. He continued to be one of the most ac- 
tive and prominent men in public affairs till about 
1672, when he was sevent3--six years old. The 
time of his death is riot known. 

Robert, the second son of Rol^ert Cooe, died at 
Stratford, Conn., at the earl)- age of thirty-two, 
leaving an only son John. The latter married 
Mary Hawley, and died at Stratford in 1741, 
leaving ten children. Ephraim, the .seventh of 
the.se, born in 1698, had a son Ephraim, born in 
1724, whose son Seth, born in 1771, was the 
grandfather of the subject of this article. Or- 
ris Kirtland Coe, son of Seth, born in 1S15, 
married Paulina Stevens Bushnell, a native of 
Otsego County, N. Y. She was the daughter 
of Thomas and Nancy (Blood) Bushnell, of old 
New England families, of English origin. Thomas 
Bu.shnell was born in Connecticut, and went to 
Vermont, whence he removed to Otsego County, 
N. Y. Mrs. Coe died May 19, 1881, aged six- 
ty-nine years, and her husband now resides at 
Indianapolis. 

E. D. Coe was born at I.xonia, Jefferson County, 
Wis., on the nth of June, 1840, and is a native 
son of whom Wisconsin may be proud. His 
father's farm was on Rock River, seven miles 
above Watertown, and the first eight years of his 
life were spent there, at the end of which time the 
family moved to Beaver Dam, remaining ten jears, 
and removing thence to Watertown. He attended 
the public school at Beaver Dam, the Madi.son 
High School and the State University, and taught 
school three terms. He was in the senior year at the 
last-named institution when President Lincoln is- 
sued the first call for troops, in April, 1861. This 
closed his school life, for, in common with many 
other brave youths of the land, he at once re- 
sponded to the call with his enlistment. His com- 
pany was a.ssigned to the Second Regiment, Com- 
pany A, but did not leave the State. At the ex- 
piration of the ninety days for which he was en- 
listed, he entered Company A, First Wisconsin 
Cavalry, with which he served as a private and 
corporal until August, 1863. 

On returning from the army, Mr. Coe began the 
study of law in the office of Gill i& Barber at Water- 



town, and in the spring of 1864 wentto Janesville, 
where he continued his legal studies with Bennett, 
Cassoday & Gibbs. Here he pursued his studies 
with such vigor and success that he was admitted 
to the Bar at the end of a year. His health had, 
however, become impaired in the struggle, and 
he was advi.sed to engage in out-door business. 
For a time, he was associated with his father in 
the lumber trade at Watertown, and was one 
year engaged in the oil business at Bothwell, 
Canada, with unsatisfactory results. In Au- 
gust, 1868, he l)ought a half-intere.st in the 
Watertown Republican , and two years later en- 
gaged in the newspaper business at Beloit. In 
1 87 1, he purchased the Whitewater Register, 
and here has made his record as a journal- 
ist. For twenty-two years he has given his atten- 
tion to the production of a first-cla.ss local paper, 
and with eminent success. It has attained more 
than a State-wide reputation, and is conceded 
to be the best country newspaper in the North- 
west. Unlike many country papers, the editorial 
page always has something of interest, as well as 
sound comment on current events. The edi- 
tor has tlie courage of his convictions, and is re- 
cognized as a power in State politics. While he 
is tactful, and does not unnecessarily provoke di.s- 
cussiou and enmit}', his utterances have no un- 
certain sound when occasion demands an express- 
ion. With the exception of three years, begin- 
ning with the i,st of January, 1888, he has been 
sole editor and proprietor of the paper, which en- 
joys a very wide circulation, both at home and in 
surrounding towns through several counties. 

Personally, Mr. Coe is gifted with that mag- 
netic, genial dispo.sition which .secures and re- 
tains friends, and he is popular throughout the 
State, even with his political opponents. He rarely 
forgets a name, which he always a.ssociates with 
the right face. Being earnest in his convictions 
and true to principle, he has always warmly 
espoused the cau.se of the Republican party, as the 
exponent of his ideas of progress, and care for the 
public weal. He has several times been called 
upon to serve in a public capacity, and has always 
discharged his duties with fidelity and indu.stry, 
having due regard for hiscon.stituency as a part of 



434 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 



lliL- whole coininonwealtli, whose welfare is of also identified with the Columbian League, be- 



prinie consideration. He has served two terms 
as School Commissioner, was a inemher of the 
State Assemhls- in 1S78 and 1879, and Cliief Clerk 
of that body in 1882, 1885, 1887 and 1889. In 
1S90, he had the refusal of the nomination for 
Congressman in the I*"irst District, but l)ccame the 
candidate on the State ticket for Secretary' of State, 
sharins; the common defeat of the Republican party 
in thai historic canii>aign. He made a gallant 
fight for the American schoolhouse, which he re- 
alizes to be the only hope of the Republic. 

Mr. Coe is a member of the Congregational 
Church of Whitewater, and entertains, in conunou 
with others of that congregation, rather liberal 
view.s — all the Protestant .sects of the town being 
bles.sed with :ui unusually fraternal spirit. He has 
been Commander of C. K. Curtice Post No. 34, 
l)e])artnKiil of W'ksconsin, Grand Armv of the Re 
public, of which he is an active meml)er. and is 



sides several insurance orders. As an evidence of 
his faith in the town and desire to promote its in- 
terests, he iK-camea stockholder in the Hotel Wal- 
worth, the Electric Light Works, and the Wagon 
& Carriage Works. His paper has always shown 
his loyalty to the dignity and good order of the 
municipality, as his personal course has demon- 
strated his patriotism in State and National affairs 
On .Sei)tember 26, 1863, at Janesville, Mr. Coe 
was married to Miss Kmma Ellsworth Si)aulding, 
daughter of Joseph Spaulding, a pioneer of Rock 
County. Mrs. Coe is a lady of intelligence, a 
worthy daughter of a long and honorable New 
England lineage, and a faithful helpmate of an up- 
right and useful citizen, ably fdling her place in the 
conununit\-. Five children have blessed the un- 
ion of I'Mwin and Ivnnna Coe. named as follows: 
I-'lorence Ivlsic, Ellsworth Si)aulding. Dwight 
Bushnell, Josei)h Spaulding and Rol)ert Kirtland. 



cARRiyir s. \VAri<:RMAN. 



/gJ.XRRETT S. WATICRMAN is one of the 
l_ most successful, enterprising and jirogressive 
^J business men of Whitewater. He is en- 
gaged in real-e.slale dealing and is agent for vari- 
ous insurance companies. His able management 
and close attention to all details have won for him 
a high degree of success, and his business has 
constantly increased and pro.spered. He enjoys 
the largest real-estate trade in Whitewater, and 
ill his insurance business he is meeting willi a 
like success. 

Mr. W.-iterman was born in Jo Daviess County, 
111., Sei>tembcr 12, i>S55, and is a son of Lucius 
and Rachel (Schenck) Waterman, the former a 
native of \'ernioiit, and the latter of New York. 
The Watermaiis were of English anil .Scotch tie- 
scent, and the family was founded in America 



during Colonial days. The father of our subject 
came to iIk' Wist in 18.^9, and for a number of 
years engaged in mercliandising in Milwaukee. 
He renuned thence to California, where lie en- 
gaged in mining, and on his return to the Miss- 
issipi)i \'alley he took up his residence in Jo 
Daviess County, 111. In 1S74, he again came to 
Wi.sconsin, locating near Janesville, where his 
death occurred in December, 1879. Mrs. Water- 
man is .still living in Bradford. Rock County, 
Wis. Her jieople were originally from Holland, 
and on emigrating to America located in New 
Jersey, where representatives of the family fol- 
lowed agricultural pursuits and milling. Tlie 
grandfather of our subject, William Schenck, a 
widclv known and pros]Krous man, was a larmer 
of .Monlgoiner\' Ci)unt\, X. V., and lived on the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



435 



Mohawk Flats during the greater part of his life. 
At one time he owned much propert\', employing 
as manj- as a hundred hands at a time. 

In the Waterman family were three children: 
William, who is connected with the music house 
of Kimball Bros., of Chicago; Mrs. Anna Searl, 
of Blue Ibland, 111; and Garrett S. The la.st- 
nanied spent his boyhood days upon a farm near 
Galena. He began to earn his own livelihood by 
clerking in the grocery .store of Hill & Fuller, of 
Janesville, with whom he remained two years, 
when he embarked in general merchandising in 
Fairfield, Rock County, carrying on operations 
along that line for a period of three years. In 
1890, he came to Whitewater, and, in partner- 
ship with D. Van Valen, he embarked in his 
present line of business. This connection was 
continued until the removal of his partner to 
Janesville, since which time he has been alone in 
business. 

On the 7th of December, 1881, Mr. Waterman 



was united in marriage with Miss Delia Schenck, 
a daughter of Ralph W. Schenck, a farmer of La 
Prairie. In his social relations our subject is a 
Mason, and in politics is a supporter of the Re- 
publican party. While living in Fairfield he 
served as Postmaster, Ijut has never sought or 
desired public office, preferring to give his entire 
time and attention to his business interests. He 
now has control of more property than any other 
real-eslate dealer in Whitewater, and the honora- 
ble, upright methods that characterize his busi- 
ness transactions have gained the confidence and 
good-will of the entire community. As insurance 
agent he represents the Hartford Fire Insurance 
Company of Hartford, Connecticut; the Royal 
In.surance Company of Liverpool, England; the 
Connecticut Insurance Company of Hartford; the 
Niagara Company of New York; and the Man- 
chester Fire Insurance Company of Manchester, 
England. 



THOMAS F. McKEY. 



'HOMAS F. McKEY, who during the pa.st 
two j'ears has been engaged in the practice 
of denti.stry in Whitewater, is one of the 
most popular citizens of Walworth County. He 
has the honor of being a native of Wisconsin, 
for his birth occurred in Janesville, Februarj' 23, 
1856. His parents were Michael and Elizabeth 
(Fold.s) McKey, the latter coming from a highly 
respected faniilj- of Dublin, Ireland. The fami- 
lies, however, on both sides were Protestants, be- 
ing comnuniicants of the Episcopal Church. 

The father of our subject was a most successful 
business man, and through his well-directed ef- 
forts, enterpri.se and per.severance accumulated a 
large property. As his financial resoiu'ces were 
increased, he invested in real estate, niostlv in 



Chicago, and the rapid rise in value demonstrated 
his foresight and sagacity, and made him a 
wealthy man. He was a native of the lim- 
erald Lsle, born in County Mayo. During his 
youth, accompanied by a twin brother, he cros.sed 
the Atlantic and located at Little Falls, N. Y. 
During his earlier years he engaged in the drv- 
goods business. In 1S53 he emigrated to Racine, 
Wis. , and the following year removed to Janes- 
ville. He and his brother owned a number of 
stores at various places, including Janesville, 
Oshko.sh and Madison, and were also inter- 
ested in nu'ning. Their business affairs were 
closed out in 18S7. Mrs. McKey died in Janes- 
ville in 1863, and Mr. McKey pa.ssed awaj- in 
1S67. In the family were five children, four of 



4^6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 



whom are yet living: William D., a real-estate 
dealer of Chicago; Thomas F. of this sketch, 
George M., who is cnjiajjed in the liiml)er busi- 
ness in Janesville: and Mrs. Harry H. Smith, Jr., 
of Whitewater. Hannah, the fourth in order of 
hirth, flied in childh<Kvl. 

Dr. McKey acquired the greater part of his etl- 
ucation in jirivate .schools. He attended Racine 
College for two years, and spent a similar jwritxl 
in Millon College, taking up the study of dentis- 
try. He was graduated from the American College 
of Dental Surgery in Chicago, in the Cla.ssof '90, 
and then ojiciied an office in that city, where he 
remained for two years. In the year 1892 he 
came to Whitewater, where he has since made 
his home. He follows his cho.sen profession, 



and has secured a good patronage as the result of 
his skill and ability. 

On the 7th of November, 1877, Mr. McKey 
was united in marriage with Miss Lilla O. Worm, 
a 'laughter of James Worm. Their union has 
iK-en blessed with one child, Camilla. They oc- 
cupy a foremost place in the stx-ial circles of 
Whitewater, and their own home is the abode of 
hosjiitality. Mr. McKey is a lover of outdoor 
sports, e-sjiecially hunting and fi.shing, in which 
he takes great delight. He is a plea.sant, genial 
gentleman, of courteous maimer, has many warm 
friends, and is popular with all. He owns consid- 
erable projierly, iiiiKli of which was left him by 
his father. 



JOHN CRAM-. 



^OHN GRAKK, deceased, who for many years 
I was connected with tlie agricultural interests 
O of Walworth County, was born in Germany, 
January 26, 1818, and in that country the days 
of his boyhofjd and youth were passed. He ac- 
quired his education in its public schools, and 
there remained until thirty years of age, when, 
with the desire to benefit his financial condition, 
he came to the New World. He had heard of 
the ])rivilcgcs and advantages here afforded, and 
resolved to test the truth of these reports by re- 
moving hither. In 1849 we find him in Wiscon- 
sin, and as he had no capital with which to pur- 
chase laud, he rented a farm for about fifteen 
years, living on section 12, Troy Township. On 
the expiration of that period, with the capital he 
had acquired through iudu.stry and economy, he 
purchased one hundred and fifty-two acres of land, 
and upon that farm resitled until called to the 
land from whence 110 traveler returns. He did a 
general farming business, and placed under a high 



state of cultivation the tract which he purchased. 
His fields were well tilled, and the good im- 
provements upon the place still indicate to the 
passer-by the thrift and entcrjirise of the late 
owner. 

On the 1 2th of March, 1852, Mr. Graff was 
united in marriage with Miss Augu.sta Urant, a 
daughter of John Hraiit, a native of Germany, who, 
with his family, came to America in 1852, locat-- 
iiig in Milwaukee. After seven months lie re- 
moved to a farm in Troy Township. At the time 
of his daughter's marriage he went to live with 
her, for he was then a widower, and for twenty- 
two years he was an inmate of the Graff house- 
hold. His death occurred on the 15th of Decem- 
ber, 1877. 

By the union of our subject and his wife there 
were born twelve children, namely: Mrs. Mary 
I*)bert, who was born Decemlx;! 5, 1852, and is 
now living in Kansas City, Mo.: Henry, who was 
born August 6, 1855, and resides in Madisou, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



437 



Wis.; Helen, who was born April 22, 1857, and 
is the wife of Fred Besch, a resident of East 
Tro)-; John, born April 29, 1859, and now living 
in Milwaukee; Louis, who was born April 10, 
1861, and carries on agricultural pursuits in Wal- 
worth County; Herman, who was born March 
29, 1863, and is now a mail-carrier of Milwaukee; 
Julius, who was born May 7, 1865, and carrieson 
farming in connection with his brother Louis; 
Frank, who was born June 28, 1867, and, being a 
cripple, is driving a peddler's wagon; Albert, 
born March i, 1871; Paul, born December 26, 
1873; Louise, born November 9, 1S75, and Car- 
rie, who was born March 3, 1878, and is now at- 
tending school in Milwaukee. The family is one 
of which the mother may well be proud, for its 
members are living upright lives, and are highl)' 



respected citizens of the various communities in 
which they reside. 

In his political views, John Graff was a Repub- 
lican, and warmly advocated the principles of that 
party. He belonged to the Lutheran Church, and 
by all who knew him was highly respected, for he 
possessed many excellencies of character, and his 
strict integrit)- and sterling worth won him warm 
regard. He pas.sed away on the 6th of Novem- 
ber, 1891, and in his death the countj' lo.st a val- 
ued citizen, his neighbors a faithful friend, and his 
family a loving and considerate husband and fa- 
ther. Mrs. Graff still resides on the old home- 
.stead with her }-ounger children. She and her 
family are all members of the Lutheran Church. 
They have a ho.spitable home, and throughout the 
comnnuiity their friends are many. 



HIRAM E. NOURSE. 



HIRAM E. NOURSE, who is now living a 
practically retired life on section 20, Troy 
Town.ship, Walworth County, is one of the 
worthy citizens that the Green Mountain State 
has furni.shed to this community. He was born 
near Brattleboro, Vt., May 9, 1824, and is a son 
of Elisah and Sallie (Murdoch) Nourse. His 
father, a native of Connecticut, for some time 
followed farming in Vermont, and in the spring 
of 1825 removed to New York, purchasing laud 
in Frankford Township, Herkimer County. Dur- 
ing the summer months he engaged in the culti- 
vation of a farm, and during the winter season 
was largely engaged in hauling wood. He owned 
about one hundred and forty acres of laud, and 
made his home thereon until near the close of his 
life, when he laid a.side business cares and re- 
moved to the city of Utica, spending his last days 
in the home of a daughter. He was born in 
1793, and passed away in 1870, at the advanced 



age of se\-enty-seven years. Success crowned his 
efforts, and from a humble position he worked his 
way steadily upward until he had accumulated a 
handsome property. 

Elisah Nourse was twice married. By his first 
union, he had eight children, three of whom are 
5'et living, namely: Hiram E., of this sketch; 
L- M., a fanner of Walworth Countj', who al.so 
operates a threshing-machine; and Hannah, wife 
of J. Bailey, a resident of East Troy. The 
mother of this family died in 1839. By the .sec- 
ond marriage were born four children. The eld- 
est two were twins, but one child died when about 
a week old. The other, E. H., is engaged in 
teaching music in the High Schools of Chicago, 
111. Mary is the wife of Albert Har\-ey, a resi- 
dent of Sycamore, 111. Lucy is the wife of Morris 
Wheeler, a farmer of Madrid, Iowa. 

In the usual maimer of farmer lads Hiram E. 
Nourse .spent the days of his boyhood and youth. 



438 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



His educational privileges were those afforded by 
the coinnioii schools„aiid he had no special ad- 
vantages to fit liiin for IIr- practical and responsi- 
ble duties of life. On the 8th of February, 1S49, 



with a brother of Mr. Nourse in Downer's 
Grove, 111. 

On coniinsj; to the West, .Mr. Nourse purchased 
eighty acres of laud on section 20, Troy Town- 



he was united in marriage with Miss Hlizabeth ship, and to this he has addetl until he ncnv has 



Klinv^, daughter of Jacob Kling, a native of New 
York Mills, Oneida County, X. V., who, with our 
subject, came to the West and located in Troy, 
Walworth County. He was a shoemaker by trade, 
and here made liis home until called to his final 



one hundred and eighty acres, comprising one of 
the l)est farms in this section. It is supplie<l with 
all modern conveniences a!id acces.sories, and the 
improvements upf)n it are in keei)ing with those 
of a model farm. It has a neat appearance and is 



rest, in 1883. In his family were the following per\'aded with an air of thrift that indicates the 



children: Jacob. Mrs. Dorothy Gasjier, John L., 
Peter S., Henry M., Jacob R., Mary .\nn, Will- 
iam, Hiram, Klizalieth, Norman, Cliri.stopher, 
George H. and Catherine. 

Mrs. Xourse, who was born July 27, 1S23, died 



careful sujK-rvision of the enterprising owner. For 
numy years he has succvssfully engaged in the 
dair3- business, his operations along that line 
bringing him a good income. His life hasliecn a 
busy and n.seful one, yet he has found time to (Ic- 



on the 27th of December, 1885, and Mr. Nourse vote to public interests, and for two years ser\'ed 

was again married, in 1888. His second wife as Justice of the Peace. The Republican party 

pa.ssed away March 29, 1893. He has no cliil- has found in him a stalwart sujiporter since its 

dren, but reared an adopted daughter, Clara F., organization, and of the Baptist Church he is a 

who was born March 14. 1S51, and is now li\iug faithful member. 



AMOS IVKS. 



(S\ MOS I\'ES, one of the representative farm- 
Li crs of W'alwortli County, now li\iug on sec- 
I I tion 35, Richmond .Township, was born in 
the town of Sheldon, now in Wyoming County, 
N. Y., on the 5th of Deceniber, 1823. His par- 
ents were Riley H. and l^lecta (Mann) Ives, and 
in their family were eight children, two sons and 
six daughters, of whom our subject is the third. 
He actpiired his education in the conuuon schools, 
was rearetl to manhootl on his father's farm, and 
at the age of twenty years started out in life for 
himself He came to the West in 1.S45, his desti- 
nation being the Territory of Wisconsin, and in 
May took uji his residence in Darieii Township, 
where he siieiit the succeeding four >ears of his 
life. 



On the expiration of that period, Mr. Ives re- 
turned to the Fast and was united in marriage 
with Miss .Susan Parish, daughter of John and 
Nancy (Tift) Parish, the wedding being cele- 
brated in the fall of 1848. The lady was born 
and reared in Wyoming County, N. Y. Mr. 
Ives and his young wife removed to Pennsyl- 
vania, where he carried on business for three 
years. In 1S51, he again came to Wi.scousin, 
and embarked in farming in Darien Town.ship. 
The home was blessed with the ]iresence of three 
children, but all are now decea.sed. They were 
I.eaman J., who died at the age of three and a- 
lialf years: Augusta L., who died at the age of 
ten years: and Clinton, who ilieil in infancy. The 
miitlRT of this family was called to her linal rest 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



439 



on the 6th of December, 1853, and her remains 
were interred in Delavan Cemetery. 

On the 5th of October, 1854, Mr. Ives was 
again married, his second union being with Miss 
Lydia C. H. Tift, daugliter of Joseph Tift, of 
Trumbull County, Ohio. The following year 
they removed to their farm on .section 35, Rich- 
mond Township. Four children graced this 
union. Clinton P., the eldest, married Helen 
Wlialey, of Hampshire, 111; Leaman J. is now 
engaged in the operation of the home farm; John 
W. makes his home in Delavan Township; and 
Amos Riley is a resident of Darien Township. 
In 1875, Mr. Ives was called upon to mourn the 
loss of his wife, wlio died on the 25th of January, 
and was laid to rest in .Spring Grove Cemetery, of 
Delavan Township. On the ist of April, 1876, 
he was joined in wedlock with Mrs. A. D. Clark, 
widow of Arnold B. Clark, and a daughter of 
Horace Hitchcock. She is a native of Wirt 
Center, Allegany County, N. Y., and by her 
former marriage she had four children: Mary E. , 
at home; Henry M., who resides in Kansas; 
Emma G., who died at the age of six months, 
and was buried in New York; and Myra L., who 
died at the age of nine years, and was laid to rest 
in Spring Grove Cemetery, of Delavan. 

Mr. Ives has never been a politician in the 



sense of office-seeking, yet has faithfully served his 
fellow-townsmen. He was Chairman of the Board 
of Supervisors for two terms, and, with the excep- 
tion of three years, has filled the office of vSchool 
Trea.surer since 1866. The cause of education 
has found in him a warm friend, and he has done 
effective service in its interest. He votes with 
the Democratic party, of which he is a stalwart 
supporter, and was a friend and neighbor of Hon. 
J. R. Doolittle, ex-United States Senator from 
Wisconsin. 

Mrs.- Ives had three brothers who were in the 
late war, and Henry died while in the service. 
The others, Harley D. and Hiram B., are both 
living in New York. Her sister, Mrs. James 
Soper, is now living in Darien Township. Both 
Mr. and Mrs. Ives are members of the Bapti.st 
Church of Delavan. The former also belongs to 
Olive Branch Lodge No. 9, I. O. O. F., and is a 
member of the Old Settlers' Association of Wal- 
worth County. He is a self-made man, having 
started out in life empt3--handed, but after years 
of earnest labor he succeeded in acquiring a hand- 
some competence, and is now the owner of a 
pleasant home and two hundred acres of fine 
farming land. Both he and his wife are held in 
the highest esteem in the connnunity. 



JOEL DOUBLEDAY. 



(TOEL DOUBLEDAY, a prominent and high- 
I ly re-spected farmer of Walworth Comity, 
O now living on .section 29, Whitewater Town- 
ship, is a native of the Empire State. He was 
born in Cortland County, March 20, 1842, and is 
a son of Charles D. Doubleday, who was born in 
Comiecticnt, September 12, 1802. Having at- 
tained to mature years he was joined in marriage 
with Miss Mar\- J. Fairfield, a native of North- 



ampton, Mass., born January 29, 1812. In 1849 
they left the Ea.st and with their family emigrated 
to Wisconsin. The father purchased one hun- 
dred and twenty acres of land on section 29, 
Whitewater Township, W'alworlh County, and to 
this added as his financial resources were in- 
creased until he became the owner of two hun- 
dred acres, comprising one of the best farms of 
the count}-. It was supplied with all modern ini- 



440 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



provemeiits and conveniences, and in appearance 
was neat and thrifty. Mr. Dcnihleday was a 
slraJKlitforward, honorable business man, and Ills 
many cvctllencics of cliaracter won him tlie hi^h 
regard of all with whom he was brought in con- 
tact. He died on the 4th of March, 1861, and his 



Mr. Donbledaj- whose name heads this sketch 
was a child of seven years when, with his par- 
ents, he came to Wisconsin, where he has since 
n;ade his home. He was rearetl up<jn the old 
home farm, early becoming familiar with the du- 
ties of farm life, and in 1.S71 he purchased of the 



wife pas.se<l away on the ist of April, 1888. They other heirs their interest in the home. He is rec- 



were both interred in Whitewater Cemetery. 

This worthy couple had a family of eleven 
children: Silas, now a fanner of Cambridge, 
Dane County: George I)., decea.sed; Caroline, 
wife of John Peacock, a resident of Whitewater 



ognized as a practical and progressive farmer, and 
his careful management and gcnid improvements 
have made of his place one of the best in the 
neighborhood, a valuable and desirable property. 
In connection with ijeneral farming he keeps on 



Townshii); Ardelia, wife of Archer Metcalf, a hand about forty cows, and engages to .some ex- 
grocer of Dane County; Joel, whose name heads tent in the raising of other stock, 
this .sketch : ICrmina, deceased; Mrs. Ann Thwing, Like the other members of the family, Mr. 
now living in Augusta, Wis.; Ellen, a resident of Doubleday is a Methotli.st in religious belief. In 



Whitewater, and the widowof James Rockafeller, 
a well-known citizen of Walworth Count\ : Hen- 
rietta, who is now living with her Ijrother Joel; 
Frank, who is considered one of the best carpen- 
ters and joiners of Wisconsin, now living at Lake 
Mills, Jefferson County; and Fred, who follows 
farming in Whitewater Township. 



his political views he is a Republican and keeps 
well informcil on the issues of the day. He is 
now serving as Assessor, a position which he has 
fdled for eight years with credit to himself and 
.satisfaction to his constituents. 



PKri-:R niRXs. 



r^lvTIvR IJIRXS, who is now living a retired 
LJ' life in Sharon, claims Peinisylvania as the 
\S) Stale of his nativity. He was born in North- 
umberland on the 1 2th of April, 1S12, and. is a 
son of Peter and Helsy ( Spies) Hums. The fa- 
ther was born about ijyo, in Union County, Pa., 
was reared to manhoo 1 upon a farm, and received 
but limited educational privileges. After arriv- 
ing at man's estate, he married Miss Spies, jiur- 
chased a tract of land, and began the development 
of a farm and the establishment of a home. He 
labored nr.der a great many discouraging circum- 
stances, but at length overcame the difTiculties 
in his path, and secure<l for himself a handsome 



farm property. He pa.s.sed away in 1854; at the 
age of sixty-four years. His wife's parents were 
natives of Germany, and at an early day cros.sed 
the briny deep to the New Worlil, after which they 
made their home in Northumberland County, Pa. 
Mr. and Mrs. Pnrns were the jiarenls of eleven 
children, six of whom are living: Peter of this 
sketch; George, who wedded .\iui K. (Juinn 
for his third wife, and is now living in Wat.son- 
town. Pa.; Christian, who makes his home in 
Winfield, Pa.; Susan, wife of John Baylor, of 
Riverside, Pa.; Leah, and Mary, wife of Jacob 
l-rederick, both of whom also live in Pennsvl- 
vania. Those deceased are; Lucy Ann, who died 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



44' 



at about the age of four years; Henry, John, 
Daniel and Eliza. Each year the surviving chil- 
dren and their families hold a famil\' reunion, 
which numbers between two and three hundred 
of the Burns' descendants. 

Upon a farm in his native county, Peter Burns 
was reared to manhood. His educational privi- 
leges were quite limited, but his training at farm 
work was not maegre. On the 30th of March, 
1834, he was united in marriage with Mi.ss Re- 
becca Clymer, daughter of John Clynier, of North- 
umberland County, Pa. In that locality the 
young couple began their domestic life, but after 
three years removed with their family to Tioga 
County, where the\- li\'ed upon a rented farm for 
two years. Mr. Burns then purchased the place, 
a tract of one hundred and twenty acres, and 
continued its cultivation for a period of eleven 
years. 

In 1846 he left the Keystone State, and made 
his way to Boone County, 111., where he took up 
ninety-six acres of Government land, the last 
tract entered from the Government in that count}-. 
Twenty-three years were there pa.ssed, during 
which time he successfully carried on agricultural 
pursuits, making a fine farm and e.xtending its 
boundaries by an additional purchase of ninety 
acres. Its fields were well tilled, and upon the 
place were excellent improvements, which .stand 
as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. By 
good management and careful attention to busi- 
ness, he won a comfortable competence, and with 
the capital he had acquired to .supply his wants 
in life, he came to Sharon in 1869 to enjoy a well- 
earned re.st. Since that time he has here lived 
retired . 

To Mr. and Mrs. Burns were born ten children, 
but two sons and two daughters died in infancy. 
Levi, the eldest, owns a fine farm in Boone 
County, 111., but is now living retired in Sharon. 
Ruth is the wife of William Cl\ iner, and to them 
were born three daughters: Ursula, who married 
Fred Wolcott, of Sharon; Sadie, wife of Frank 
Wolf, of Sharon; and Ruby, at home. Hattie is 
the wife of E. D. Hall, of Allen's Grove, b}- 
whom she has two sons. Barton W. and Eddie L. 
Libbie is the wife of John H. Welch, and to them 



were born four children: Morton P., Mattie E., 
Benjamin L. and Katie. Nellie is the wife of 
James Welch, of Sharon, and their four children 
are: Milton B., Ursa, Albert W. and Hazen. 
Emma A. completes the family. 

Mr. Burns is independent in politics, and has 
never taken a prominent part in public affairs, al- 
though he has always kept well informed on the 
questions of the day. He is numbered among 
the pioneers of northern Illinois, and is one of 
the highly respected citizens of Walworth County. 
His life has been well andworthilj- passed, and in 
his declining days he can look back over the 
years that have come and gone with little cause 
to regret lost opportunities. 

On March 28, 181^4, Mr. Burns suffered a se- 
vere loss in the death of his loving and estimable 
wife. The following is an extract from an obitu- 
ary notice of her, which appeared in a local paper 
shortly after her death: 

"Rebecca Helen Clymer was born in North- 
•umberland County, Pa., December i, 1S13. Was 
married to Peter Burns March 30, 1834, and to- 
gether they went to Illinois in May, 1846. In 1869 
they moved to Sharon, which has been their place 
of abode up to the hour of her death, which oc- 
cured Wednesday evening, at 8:45 o'clock, from 
gangrene, resulting from a wound produced by 
the broken wrist of her left arm. 

" She was the mother of ten children, two of 
the eldest having passed to the realms of another 
world before the removal of herself arrd faithful 
conrparrion to the We.st; two of the children, who 
died in infancy, are buried in Oakvvood Ceirretery, 
beside whom the mother was laid to peacefully 
await the angel's call on the resurrection rrrorn. 
The remainiiig si.x are as follows: Levi, Mrs. R. 
G. CI>-mer, Mrs. H. A. Hall, Mrs. J. H. Welch. 
Mrs. J. W. Welch, and Ennna A. Burns, who has 
been the faithful companion, with the aged and 
devoted husband, during her declining years. 
There are also thirteen grandchildren, who deeply 
mourn the loss of a kind, affectionate grand- 
mother, from whose hands the.se little ones re- 
ceived tokens of love, and vvlio always sympa- 
thized with teiiderness i:i their troubles from 
innocent childhood to mature manhood and wo- 
manhood. 

" Decea.sed was highlv re.spected in tliis com- 
mur.it\-, and her friends were legion. vSIie was 
always in readiness to be.stow charity upon the 
needy and helpless, l)eing an exceedingly kind and 



442 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ohliginR iiti>ihl>i>r, and a true friend to all who 
formed licr ac<|nniiilance. 

" The funeral services wire held at the litinie 
on I''riday, March .^o, Rev. J. Sdiofield, of ICvans- 
ville, ofiiciatinj^, the ceremonies iK-inj; brief and 
of an impressive character. A larj;e concour.se of 
neij^lilmrs and old-lime friends of the deceased 
and her deei)ly i)ereaved family were present to 



pay their last sad tribute of respect for the dead. 
There was a contribution of eiijlity roses, one for 
each year of her life, by the jjrandchildren, a 
most approi)riate token of their love and affection. 
" After services the remains were taken to Oak- 
wfHxl Cemetery, and laid in their la.st reslinR- 
])lace beside two of her children who died in in- 
fancy." 



Hll^R^■ \Ai(;ii.\ 



HKNRY VArnilN, who follows farmini; on 
section iS, S]>rin,i; I'rairie Towiishi]), is 
ininil)ered amoiiv; the earl\- settlers of Wal- 
worth County, and is one of the honored \'eterans 
of tlie late war. A well-spent life has won him a 
place among the most highly resjiected citizens of 
this conununily, and he therefore well deserves 
representation in llie history of his adopted coun- 
ty- 
Mr. X'aughii is a native of the Green Mour.lain 

.State. He was l)orn October 30, 1836, in Rut- 
land County, and is the second in a family of si.x 
children who.se jiarents were Davicl T. and Re- 
becca (I)insmore) \'aughn. Hoth j)arents were 
natives of Vermont, but the mother was of Scotch 
and German extraction. The father was reared 
upon a farm, and after his marriage started west- 
ward. He became a resident of Michigan in 1837, 
and the following year removed to Walworth 
County, where he purcha.sed eighty acres of Gov- 
ernment land in LaFayette Township. It was all 
wild and unimproved, but he at once began its 
develojunent, and in course of time transformed 
it into a good farm, upon wliicli he made his 
home until his death, which occurred at the age 
of seventy-eight years. Me was a well-known 
citizen of the community, took an active interest 
in the de\eloi)ment of the county, and served as 
Chairman of the I'oard of Super\is irs at an early 
da\-. His wife i)assed awa\' at the age of sixty- 



three years. In the Vaughn family were six 
children: George, who is now a successful farmer 
of Spring Prairie Townshij): Henry, of this sketch: 
Mary; Olive M., who died at the age of thirty- 
nine years: Alonzo A., a resident of Hnrlinglon, 
Wis.; William W., who carries on agricultural 
pursuits in Sjiring Prairie Towiishi]); and Josejih 
H., who follows the same business in LaP'ayette 
Towii.ship, Walworth County. 

Our subject was a child of only two years when 
he came to Wisconsin. With the family he ex- 
perienced the hardships and difficulties of pioneer 
life, being reared amid the wild scenes of the 
frontier. He remembers the county when it was 
new, when a great part of the land was.still in the 
pos.sessiou of the Government, and when the work 
of progress and civilization .seemed scarcely l)e- 
gun. He aided in the arduous task of developing 
a farm, an<l to his father he gave the benefit of his 
services until twenty-three years of age, when he 
was married and began life for him.self on a rent- 
ed farm. 

On the 7th of April, i<S5y, Mr. X'aughn led to 
the marriage altar Miss Susan .\. Whitniore, 
daughter of Daniel Whitniore, one of the pioneer 
settlers of Walworth County. Their union has 
been blcs.sed with two children: Charlie H., who 
now operates the home farm; and Malie I. 

On the :;<)lh of August, 1S62, Mr. X'aughn 
bade adieu to his youn.g wife and entered his 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



443 



country's service. He was assigned to Company 
I, Twenty-eighth Wisconsin Infantry, and con- 
tinued with his regiment until the close of the 
war, with the exception of nine months spent in 
the hospital at Keokuk, Iowa, and in the regi- 
mental hospital. He was promoted to the rank 
of CoriJoral, and was never wounded or taken 
prisoner. "" He faithfully followed the Old Flag, 
and was always found at his post, discharging the 
duties allotted to him. He was discharged Au- 
gust 22, 1865, and mustered out in September, 
1865, in Madison, Wis. 

After his return home from the war, Mr. 
Vaughn rented a farm for a year, and then pur- 



chased land in Spring Prairie Township. To 
this he has added until his farm now comprises 
three hundred acres, which is under a high state 
of cultivation and well improved with good build- 
ings, well-kept fences, and all modern accessories 
and conveniences. His possessions have been ac- 
quired through his own efforts, and indicate a 
busj' and useful life. He is recognized as an en- 
terprising man, and his well-directed efforts have 
brought him a competence which he justly merits. 
He votes with the Republican party, is connected 
with the Grand Army Post of Elkhorn, and is a 
member of the Baptist Church. 



DWIGH T W. RECTOR, M. D. 



WIGHT W. RECTOR, M. D., who is en- 
gagad in the practice of meilicine and sur- 
gery in East Tro)-, was born in Schenectady 
County, N. Y., on the 15th of September, 1832, 
and is a son of Matthew H. and vSusan (McCom- 
ber) Rector, the former a native of New York, 
and the latter of Massachu.setts. The paternal 
grandfather, Henry Rector, was a native uf the 
Empire State, and was of Dutch de.scent. He 
was a large man, weighing over three hundred 
pounds, and was six feet and one inch in height. 
He reared a large family, and made farming his 
life occuisation. The maternal grandfather, Sam- 
uel McComber, was born in Massachusetts, and 
was of Irish descent. When the Colonies tried 
to throw oiTall allegiance to the mother country, 
he aided in the struggle for independence. A 
man of genial and jovial disposition, and a good 
conversationalist, he made friends wherever he 
went. 

The father of our .subject was a farmer by oc- 
cupation, and followed that pursuit throughout 
his life. By his marriage with Miss McComber 



he had seven .sons; Ozias P., of New Bedford, 
Mass.; Embry, deceased; Dwight W. of this 
sketch; Byron, of Duaneslnirg, N. Y.; Dimont 
M., who is living in Fall River, Mass.; Augus- 
tus S., deceased; and Francis Eugene, now a res- 
ident of Honey Creek, Walworth County. The 
mother of this faniih', who was a faithful mem- 
ber of the Methodist Church, died in 1840. Mat- 
thew H. Rector afterward married Ruth Griffith, 
daughter of Stephen Griffith, and they became 
the parents of five children, four .sons and a 
daughter, all yet living, namely; Albert, of 
Duanesburg, N. Y.; Stephen P., also of Duanes- 
burg; Parker, of Arizona; Matthew, who is liv- 
ing in Duanesburg; and Cele.ste, wifeof Zaccheus 
Bailey, of Schenectady, N. Y. Mr. Rector died 
in the Empire State in 18S8, in his ninetieth year. 
He, too, was a memlier of the Methodist Church, 
and was highly respected by all who knew him. 
The Doctor was reared in Schenectadj' Count3% 
and began the study of medicine when about 
twenty-two years of age. He attended the Al- 
bany Medical College, and was graduated there- 



444 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



from in 1853, after which he began practice in the 
city of Albany, wliere he remained for a year. 
Thinking that the West furnished better opjwr- 
tunilies for ani))iti(nis young men just" starting in 
bu.siness, he opened an office in Milwaukee in 
1S54, and remained in that city for five years. He 
tlien spent a similar jjcriod as a practitioner of 
Mnkwonago, Wis., after which he went to the 
army as Assistant .Surgeon, being stationed most 
of the time at Stevenson. Ala. 

In the year of his removal westward, Dr. Rec- 
tor was united in marriage with Miss Almira 
Heebe, daughter of Jacob and Anna ( Ham ) l>eel)e, 
natives of New York. Two children graced their 
union: Ainia M., who became the wife of Adolph 
Ivslburg, and died, leaving two children: and 
Florence Eugenia, who is now a teacher in Brook- 
lyn, N. Y. For his second wife, the Doctor mar- 
ried Miss Etta L. Turnbull, daughter of Andrew 
and .\nn ( Dodds) Turnbull, natives of St. Law- 
lence Count\-, N. Y. They have an adojitcd 
d.iughter, Edith, who is now thirteen years of 
age, and who has lived with them since her fourth 
year. 

After his return from the war, Dr. Ueclor s[)enl 
one year in .Miinie.sola. In Sepleniber. 1.S6C1, he 



went to Mukwonago, Wis., where he remained 
until February, 1867, when he came to ICasl 
Troy. lie was then continuously engaged in ac- 
tive i)ractice until i.S.S.j. but since that time, on 
account of impaired health, has practically lived 
retired. His skill and ability had won for him 
a liberal jiatronage, which was con.stantl\- increas- 
ing. A man of deep research, and a close 
.student of his profession, his merit won for him 
a prominent jilace among his i)r(>fe.ssii>nal breth- 
ren in Walworth County. In his jxilitical views, 
the Doctor is a Democrat. His wife l)elongs to 
the 15a])ti.st Cinirch. They own a good farm on 
Booth Lake, and have a ])lea.sant home and other 
property in Ivast Troy. They are luunbered 
among the leading and influential citizens of this 
connnmiity, and their friends in the locality are 
many. The Doctor has iK-en a resident of Wi.s- 
consin for forty years, having come to the West 
when Chicago was a small city, and when Wal- 
worth County was but little advanced on the 
roail to civilization. During his residence in Ea.st 
Troy he has been mnnbered among its valued 
citizens, for he has taken an active interest in all 
that pertains to the welfare of the community 
and its upbudding. 



CiKORCili: WALLACE COBl'RX 



"gi'f )!<('.]■. W.\I,1,.\CI'; COBURN is engaged 
_. ill the Iraii^fc! and coal business in Wliite- 
^jl water. He has built up an extensive trade, 
and now carries on operations on (juite a large 
.scale. He is one of the worthy citizens that Ohio 
has furnished to this connnunity, for he was born 
in Geauga Count)- of the Buckeye Slate, on the 
I ith of Decendier, 1S42. His parents, Fred H. 
and Lodema (Rice) Coburn, were both natives of 
Cortland County, N. Y. The father, who was a 
farmer, removed from the lunpire State to Ohio, 



and thence came with liis faiiiilx', consisting of 
wife and three cliildreii, to Wisconsin, in 184.S. 
Here the family circle was increased by the birth 
of three more children. They located on a farm 
near Whitewater, where the father carried on ag- 
ricultural pursuits for some years, but in 1.S74 he 
removed to thecil\-, where he spent his remaining 
da\s, his death occurring on the 2d of July, 1886, 
at the ripe oKl age of .seventy-two years. His 
childrc'n were: George W. of this sketch; Llewellyn 
H.: Frances Almena, wife of Caleb Howe: Milo. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



445 



who is now deceased; Alice B., wife of D. W. 
Grant; and Nellie, who died in childhood. 

In the n.sual manner of farmer lads, Mr. Co- 
burn .spent the days of his boyhood and youth. 
He acquired his education in the district schools 
of the neighborhood, which he attended through 
the winter sea.son, while in the sununer months 
he aided in the labors of the field, plowing, plant- 
ing and han-esting. After attaining his majority 
he left the old homestead to make his own way 
in the world, and in 1.S76 came to Whitewater, 
where he began dealing in coal, and also engaged 
in draying. Since that time lie has continued op- 
erations along the.se lines with excellent success. 
His sales of coal have amounted to as much as 
three thou.sand tons per year. In 1885 he pur- 
chased a stone-quarry near the city, and is now 
also engaged in handling .stone and tnirning lime. 

Our subject is a member of the Ancient Order 



of United Workmen, and of the Congregational 
Church, and takes an active part in church 
and benevolent work. He is a Prohibitionist in 
the truest and best sense of the term, as he has 
never used tobacco or tasted liquor, and is an in- 
flexible adherent of temperance principles. In 
consequence, he votes with the party which em 
bodies his views on that question. His life has 
been well and worthily pas.sed, and, although he 
makes no great profes.sions, the people of the 
community have the highest respect for him on 
account of his sterling worth and honesty' of pur- 
pose. In his business dealings he has met with, 
good .success, having acquired a comfortable com- 
petence. 

On the 25th of February, 1868, Mr. Coburn 
was married to Mi.ss Ada E. Hawes, a daughter 
of Joseph Hawes, a native of England. 



CHARLES P. GREENE. 



EHARLEvS P. GREENE, one of the repre- 
.sentative farmers and stock-dealers of Wal- 
worth County, who now makes his home on 
section 30, Spring Prairie Township, was born 
on the 19th of September, 1844, in Waukesha 
County, Wis. Little is known concerning the 
early history of the family, .save that for sev- 
eral generations past its representatives have 
lived in America, and therefore an ancestor 
mn.st have cro.s.sed the Atlantic in early Colonial 
days. The father of our subject, George Greene, 
was born June 19, iSii, in Andierst, Mass., was 
reared on a farm, and when a young man removed 
to New York. 

There he worked in lumber mills for a time, 
and also carried on agricultural pursuits. In 
1S37, he followed the course of emigration, which 
was steadily drifting westward, and on reaching 



Wisconsin took up his residence upon a farm 
near Milwaukee, where he made his home until 
1864. He was married on the 30th of March, 
1842, to Miss Sarah A. Clark, who was born in 
the Empire State, August 13, 1823. Her father, 
who served in the War of 18 12, was of English 
extraction. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Greene were born eight chil- 
dren, of whom Charles P. is the second in order 
of birth. Only four of the number are liv- 
ing, the others being Clara A., now the wife of 
P. W. P'landers, a resident of Elkhorn, Wis. ; 
Annie M.; and Alice S., wife ofT. L. Decoudres, 
a prosperous farmer of Walworth Count}-. Mr. 
Greene continued farming near Milwaukee until 
1864, when became to Walworth County, and 
purchased the farm on which our subject now re- 
sides. There he spent his remaining days, de- 



446 



PORTRAIT AND I5IOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



voting his time and attention to agricultural pur- His capable management of his business interests, 
suits. While in his barn ihiringa thinuler-stonii and liis enterprise and well-directetl efforts, have 



he was killed by lightiiinj;, on the 2d of June, 
18.S4. In his i)i)lilical views he was a Rejiubli- 
can, ;ind warmly advocated the men and measures 
I if thai pari)-. In religious belief he was a Kree- 
Will liaptisl. He won success in his business 



brought him jirosperity. He owns over three 
hundred acres of valuable land in Spring I'rairie 
Township ,and is one of the .stockholders of the 
First National IJank of lilkhorn, of which he is 
also President. He is interested in the National 



dealings, and as the result of his iudu.stry and Bank of tlie Republic of Chicago, loans a great 
careful management he left to his family ipiile a deal of mi>ney individually, and is rectiguizetl as 
large estate. Mrs. Greene .still survives her hu.s- the wealthiest citizen of his township. His suc- 
baud, and makes her home with her son Charles, ce.ss is certainly well deservetl, as the greater i)art 
She, tiH^ is a faithful member of the Free-Will of it has come to him through his own efforts. 
IJaplist Church. He votes with the Rei)ul>lican jiarty, and takes 
No event of special importance occurred dnr- fjuite an active part in ]K)litics, but will never con- 
ing the l)()yh(K)d and youth of our subject, who sent to become a candidate for office. The greater 
remained the greater i)art of the time upon the part of his life has been passed in Walworth 



home fanu with his father. His early educa- 
tion, actpiired in the common schools, was 
supi)leniented by an academic course. After 
attaining his majority, he joined his father in 
business, and the connection was ctintinued until 
his father's death, when Cliarles purchased the 
interest of the other heirs in the old Immestead. 



County, and those who ha\'e known him from 
boyhood are nund)ered among his stanchest 
friends, a fact which indicates a straightforAvard 
and honorable career. He is justly numbered 
among the best citizens of the comnninity, and 
well deserves represenlalion in this volume. 



saml'i:l k. ad.vms. 



r2|.\Mri';i, K. .\1).\MS, editor and imblisher 
?\ •4 llie ICasl Troy .Wr.'.v, w;\s born in I'lint, 
Qj .Mich., on the <jth of .\pril, 1 851;, and is a 
son of .Samuel J. and Ivmily C. (Turner) Adams, 
the former a native of Pennsylvania, and tin. 
latter of New York. The father was a molder by 
trade, and was also a iMrst-Day Adventist jjreach- 
er. He removed to Michigan some time in the 
'Sos, and about i<S6-^ took up his residence in 
Delton, Sank County, Wis., where he made his 
home for a (piarter of a century. t)n the expi- 
ration of that time he removed to Kilbourn City, 
Wis., w^here he lived until i.S9;>, at which lime 



he took up iiis residence in"Baralx>o, Wis. The 
Adams family was probably founded in America 
during Ct)lonial days, for the grandfather, Hijali 
Adams, was a native of I'einisylvania. He 
made iarniing his life work, and lived to the ad- 
vanced age of nearh- ninety years. The mater- 
nal grandfather of our subjex-t was a native of New 
York. 

.Samuel K. -Adams was a child of four years 
when, with his i)arenls, he went to Delton, Wis., 
where he was reared to manhood. His education 
was ac(|uired in its ])ublic schools, and he re- 
mained under the parental roof until he had at- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



447 



tained his inajoritj-. He then determined to en- 
gage in the printing business, and started to learn 
the trade at Kilbourn Cit}-, afterward working at 
different points in Wisconsin and South Dakota. 
Later he established the Black Earth Phono- 
graph, in Black Earth, Dane Count}-, Wis. This 
was in iSgi, and he continued the publication of 
the paper for twent^'-one months. In Februarj', 
1S93, he established the East Troj- Nc7cs, which 



he is now publishing, and in connection with his 
paper he also does job printing. 

On the 28th of November, i888, Mr. Adams 
was united in marriage with Miss Florence S. 
Rood, daughter of Mosses J. and Ann Jeuette 
(Burdick) Rood, the former a native of Vermont, 
and the latter of New York. They have resided in 
East Tro)- little more than a year, but have 
many friends liere and are held in high regard. 



JOSEPH HURBERT PAGE. 



(Joseph HURBERT page, who .since the 
I fall of 1865 has successfully engaged in the 
G? practice of law in Whitew.iter, is a native of 
the Empire State, his birtli having occurred in 
Columbus, Chenango County, on the 14th of 
June, 1832. His father, Ilurbert Page, was a New 
York farmer, who afterwards took up the trade 
of blacksmithing, Ijut later resumed fanning, and 
subsequently engaged in mercantile pursuits. He 
was a son of Deacon Jo.seph Page, a native of 
Connecticut, and one of the heroes of the Revolu- 
tion, who in that war did service both on land 
and water. In early life he remo\-ed to Ne ,v 
York, became a large land-owner, and built 
several mills. He had a family of sixteen chil- 
dren, all of whom grew to mature years, and 
were married. His wife bore the maiden 
name of Sarah \A'hite. Their first home was in 
the Empire State, in the midst of the wilder- 
ness, and in tho.se early days they experienced 
many of the hardships and trials of frontier life. 
The Pages came originally from England, and 
.settled in New London, Coini. This was in early 
Colonial days. 

Having attained to mature years, Hurbert 
Page was united in marriage with Samantha 
Finch, daughter of Dr. Isaac F. and Phccbe 
(Birch) Finch. Mrs. Finch's father was Rev. 



William Birch, a Baptist minister, whom our 
subject heard preach at the advanced age of nine- 
ty-three. He died at the age of ninety-four, 
in Otsego County, N. Y. In 1855, Hurbert 
Page took his family to Illinois, and located at 
Maine, Cook County. On the 22d of May of 
that year a tornado swept over the localitj', 
destroyed the home of the famil)-, and the mother 
was killed. The storm was terrific, and tore 
loose stones that required three teams of oxen to 
haul. Our subject was then in New York, but 
returned home the following Sunday to see 
devastation on all sides. Four inmates of the 
house were killed outright, and two permanentl)' 
crippled. Nothing was left of the house or barn, 
and oxen, hogs and a house dog were picked up 
bodily by the storm and carried several rods 
away. To Mr. and Mrs. Page were born seven- 
teen children, of whom Joseph H. was the fifth in 
order of birth. Six of the number are yet living, 
including Dr. D. I. Page, of California, and Dr. 
James M., Levi H. and Mrs. Ada Mills, of Chi- 
cago. Charles S., who was a soldier of the late 
war, and was held as a pri.soner in Andersonville, 
is also living in California. Three sons of the 
Page family were ITnion soldiers during the War 
of the Rebellion. 

In taking up the personal history of our sub- 



448 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ject, we present to our readers the life record of 1865, he came West and rented an office in Chi- 



one of the most prominent and influential citizens 
of Whitewater. He was educated in New York, 
and (luriiiK his joutli followed the trade of hlack- 
smithing. He also engaged in business along 
that line in Klgiii, 111., after which he returnetl 
to his native State, hoping to allend school, hut 
his wi.shes were thwarted by illness. He then 
began studying with lilder J. 1'. Hunting, a 
Hajtlisl minister, and was under his instruclion 
for three years. In llic mean time he taught 
sch(K)l, and l)egan the stud\ of law, liaving bor- 



cago, but ere his goods had arrived he went to 
Janesville, and was advised by a friend there to 
locate in W'hilewater, as a lawyer of the last- 
named place had just died, and hence there was a 
vacancy. Thus Mr. Page was induced to come lo 
the city which has since iKx-n his home. He 
formed a partnership with II. (). Montague, and 
the connection was continued until Mr. Montague 
removed to Colorado, five years later. .Since that 
lime Mr. Page has been alone in business. IK- 
has built u]> a large and lucrative practice, and 



rowed a copy of ]51ackstone. In 1861, he en- * his excellent success is well deserved. 



tered the law office of II. C. and K. L. Miner, of 
De Ruyter, with whom he studied for a year. 
He then walked sixty miles to Hinghampton, 
N. v., and, successfully pas.sing an examination 
before four Circuit Judges, was admitted to the 
Bar. There were eleven ai>i)licants, Imt only 
four were admitted. .Mr. Page then returned to 
De Ruyter on foot, and l)egan jiractice at that place, 
but after a short lime went to West Ivlmeston, 
Otsego County, where hereni.uned for a year and 
a-half During this lime he had to su]>porl .1 
widowed sister and her family. In the fall of 



On the 25th of December, 1S67, Mr. Page 
wedded Miss Eva, youngest daughter of George 
E^terly. By their union have l)een born five 
children: Hurlx-rt Ivslerly Page, who graduated 
al Ihe Stale I'niversily, of Madison, and is now 
attending a Chicago law scluxil; Gertrude K., 
Benjamin H., Arthur J. and Florence. Tiie par- 
ents are Ixilh memlK-rs of the Cougregalional 
Church, .ind in ]>olilics Mr. Page was a Ke])ub- 
lican inilil i.S.SS, but since Ihal lime has voted 
iiide])eiulLntl\' t>f ]iarly lies. 



W W HALL. 



W. II.MJ,, ])nblislier and proprietor of 
Ihe (ia.iilf, of Whitewater, is a native of 
the Empire State. He was born in Jeffer- 
er.son County, N. V., July i i, iS_^5, and is a son 
of Jo.seph and Philinda (Warren) Hall, who 
were natives of New York, although their ances- 
tors originally lived in Massachusells. The 
father, who was a farmer l»y occujiation, was 
four limes married. In 1S.J4, he bade adieu 
to his home in the East, and started for the 
Territory of Wiscousin. He located in Rock 
Prairie, Walworth County, where he succe.ssfull\ 



carried on agrioullural jntrsuits until 18^16, when 
lie laid aside business cares an<l look up his resi- 
dence in Whilewaler. There he died, February 
2S, iSjS, at the age of seventy-.seven years. His 
wife jiassed away in the year of their removal lo 
the West. They had only two children: William 
W.: and Olive A., the widow of Charles l)avi<l- 
.son, and a resident of San Franci.sco, Cal. Mr. 
David.son died in the army. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
was a youth of only nine sinmners when, with 
Ills ])arenls, he came to Wisconsin. In Ihe usual 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



449 



manner of fanner lads he was reared to manhood, 
aiding in the labors of the fields during tlie sum- 
mer months, while in the winter season he at- 
tended the common schools of the neighborhood. 
After attaining his majority, in connection with 
his father he embarked in general merchandising, 
which he followed for four years. He then re- 
sumed farming in his own interest, and during 
the four succeeding years of his life, followed 
the pursuit to which he was reared. Later he 
carried on farming in Keokuk County, Iowa. In 
I.S77 he returned to Whitewater, and engaged in 
market-gardening and in raising small fruits. He 
later went to Georgia, spending two 3'ears near 
Atlanta, after which he again came to White- 
water. 

On the 9th of Decemlier, 1857, Mr. Hall was 
united in marriage with Mi.ss Almira Chase, and 



to them were born four thildren: Ella, wife of 
Richard Henderson, who is living in La Grange; 
Lou, widow of Charles Young, and a resident of 
Whitewater; E. May, at home; and Nina, who is 
in her father's printing-office. 

Mr. Hall bought the Gazette office on the ist 
of October, 1891, and has since been engaged in 
the publication of the paper, which is one of the 
leading journals of the comity. It is published 
in the interests of the Democracy, and receives a 
liberal patronage in Whitewater and throughout 
the surrounding countrs'. It is ably conducted 
and well edited, and through its columns the be.st 
interests of the connnunity are supported. Mr. 
Hall is a member of the Odd Fellows' Society, 
and is a highly respected citizen, whose pleasant 
and genial manner has won him many friends in 
this localitv. 



JOHN W. RIDGE. 



^OHN-W. RIDGE is successfully engaged in 
I general farming and stock-raising on sec- 
(2/ tions I and 2, Whitewater Township, Wal- 
worth County. He is a native of the Badger 
State, for he was born in Cold Spring, Jefferson 
Count)', Ma3' 10, i860. His parents, John and 
Jane (Murley) Ridge, were both natives of Dev- 
onshire, England. Having emigrated to Amer- 
ica, they became residents of Jefferson County in 
1856, and the father rented a farm, which he op- 
erated for several years. As soon as he had ac- 
quired a sufficient capital, he purchased one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of land, which he sold to his 
two .sons just before his death. He was in lim- 
ited circumstances when he came to the United 
States, but his industry, enterpri.se and persever- 
ance won him success, and he became pos.sessed 
of a comfortable competence. For several years 
he served as Justice of the Peace, and proved an 



efficient officer. Both he and his wife were mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
were highly- respected people. The father died 
July I, 1883, and the mother passed away on the 
28th of the same month. For man)- years they 
had traveled life's journey together, and death 
separated them for only a short period. This 
worthy couple were the parents of nine children, 
namely: Mrs. Mary Hackett, Hannah, Mrs. Liz- 
zie Shoals, Mrs. Lavina Noy.se, Jennie, Fannie, 
Mrs. Ella Hackett, John W. and Henrs' T. 

In the usual manner of farmer lads Mr. Ridge 
of this sketch was reared to manhood. His edu- 
cational privileges were afforded by the common 
.schools, which he attended through the winter 
.season, while in the sunnner months he aided in 
the laljors of the farm. He continued under the 
parental roof until he had attained his majority, 
when he started out in life for him.self, purchased 



450 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



land, and Ijegan farming in his own interest. He 
has always carried on agricnltural pursnits, and 
has prosjK-rcd in liis undertakings. He now 
owns one hundred and fifty-eijjht acres of rich 
and aral)le land, which he has placed under a hijjh 
state of cultivation. The fields are well tilled, 
and an air of neatness and thrift jK-rvades the 
place and indicates to the i>as.ser-l>y the careful 
supervision of the owner. The farm is well 
stocketl with a high grade of horses, cattle and 
hogs. 

The nieinlx-rs of Mr. Riilije's hou.sehold are 
himself and sister I'aimie, who keeps hou.se for 
him, and a nephew. They adopted the two chil- 



dren of their sister, Mrs. Lavina Noyse, who is 
now deceased, and the nephew is still with them. 
Both Mr. and .Miss Ridge are memlx-rs of the 
Melli<)<list Iqiiscopal Clnirch, and in this com- 
munit\ are widely and favorably known. P'or a 
time our subject followed in the jiolitical f(M)tsteps 
of iiis father and supported the men and measures 
of the Republican party, but now votes with the 
Prohibilion party. Socially, he is a memlier of 
the Independent Order of Gotnl Templars. All 
who know him esteem him highly for his sterling 
worth and strict integrity, and it is with pleasure 
that we present to otir readers this record of his 
life work. 



JOHN iM^:ACuck. 



(lolIX ri'.VCCK'K, a larmer and dairyman, 
I who for many years has been prominently 
C2/ comiected with the agricultural interests of 
Walworth County, now resides on section 20, 
Whitewater Township. He is one of the worthy 
citizens that Kngland lias furnished to this local- 
ity, for he was born in that country, December 9, 
iS_^i. His parents, Richard and Lucy (Cropley) 
Peacock, were also natives of ICngland, from 
whence they emigrated to America in 1S51. 
The father purchased forty acres of land in Cook 
County, III., the jiurchase price being from $5 I" 
JioiJeracre, and there carried on farming until 
1873, when he was called njwn to mourn the 
death of his wife. Two years later he removed 
to Rock County, Wis., and in the home of a son 
spent his remaining days, pa.ssing away Novem- 
ber (J, 1S92. The day previous he had voted, 
supporting the Rejinblican candidate for the 
Presidency, but in the evening was taken .sick, 
and the next morning breathed his last. For 
many years he successfully carried on farming 
and became quite well-to-do. 



.Six cliildren were born to Mr. and .Mrs. Pea- 
cock, and all reached mature years. Esther, the 
eldest, is now the wife of David Hills, a retired 
farmer living in Sidney, Iowa: Mrs. Sarah John- 
.son is now decea.sed; Richard, devotes his time 
and attention to farming near Lima, Rock 
County, Wis. ; blli/abeth is the wife of John 
Horsley, an agriculturist of Percival, Iowa; John 
is the next yoiniger; and Ann is the wife of Jacob 
Hackett, who follows farming near Percival, 
Iowa. 

John PeacfK'k, wlio is so widely and favorably 
known in Walworth County, spent the first 
seventeen \ears f)f his life in his parents' home, 
and then started out t<i make his own wa\- in the 
world. He received but limited educational ]>ri\i- 
leges. After he began earning his own money 
he went to night .school, and in this way became 
famili.ir with the connnon ICngli.sh branches. By 
reading, experience and obscrx'ation, however, he 
has added largely to the knowledge there gained. 
For a time he worke<l as a farm hand, and al.so 
tollowed other pursuits, whereby he might earn 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 



451 



an honest living. For about eight months he 
made his home in Rock County, Wis., and then 
removed to Cold Spring, Jefferson County, where 
tlie succeeding three years were passed in the care 
and cultivation of a rented farm. On the expi- 
ration of that period he went to Colorado, where 
for five years he was successfully engaged in 
mining, winning a considerable capital during 
that time. He thsii returned to Wisconsin, and 
located in Walworth Count)', where he purchased 
one hundred and sixty acres of laud on section 
20, Whitewater Township. To this he has added 
a forty-acre tract on section 19, and upon this 
farm has made his home since 1865. 

Mr. Peacock was married on the loth of May, 
1855, the lady of his choice being Miss Caroline 
Doubleday, daughter of Charles and Mary 
Doubleday, both of whom were natives of New 
England. Two children graced the union of our 
subject and his wife. Ella J., born March 4, 1S56, 
is now the wife of Alfred Bennett, a wholesale 



commi.ssion merchant, now engaged in business in 
Duluth, Minn.; Frances A., born February 20, 
1 86 1, is now the wife of Harvey E. Hulce, who 
carries on fanning near Delavan. Mr. and Mrs. 
Peacock ha\'e a pleasant home, which is the 
abode of hospitality, and in social circles they 
hold an enviable position. 

Mr. Peacock is a Republican in politics, and 
for the long period of twenty years has been the 
efficient School Treasurer of his district, filling 
the office with credit to himself and satisfaction to 
his constituents. He now owns one of the finest 
and best impro\'ed farms of the community. He 
can rememljer in the early days when $80 was 
paid for a barrel of flour, and twenty-five cents 
for a pound of potatoes. His life has been quite 
an eventful one. For twenty years he lived in 
England, made his home in Cook County when 
Chicago was a small town, lived in the mining 
districts of Colorado, and came to Walworth 
County when it was yet on the frontier. 



FLOYD VAIL. 



[""EOYD vail, who resides on section 20, 
1m Whitewater Township, Walworth County, 
I where he carries on general farming, is a 
representative of one of the early families of this 
.section of the State. He was born in the town of 
Cold Spring, Jeffenson County, April iS, i860, 
and is a son of S. B. and Adeline (Stocking) Vail, 
both of whom were natives of New York. About 
1 840, during his bo3'hood, the father came with an 
elder brother to the Territoi-y of Wisconsin, and 
engaged in farm work in his brother's employ un- 
til his marriage, in 1854. He then purchased 
eighty acres of land, on which he and his wife 
began their domestic life, their home being a log 
cabin, in which the)- lived in true pioneer .style. 
It was afterward replaced, however, bj' a fine two- 



story residence, and good barns and outbuildings 
in keeping with the home were also erected. ' He 
extended the Ijonndaries of his farm until it com- 
pri.ses one hundred and forty acres, which pays to 
the owner a golden tribute in return for the care 
and cultivation he bestows upon it. In connec- 
tion with general farming he is engaged in the 
dairy bu.siness, and derives therefrom a good in- 
come. He has achieved excellent success in his 
undertakings, and is now numbered among the 
substantial farmers of the connnunity. In 1887, 
he was called upon to mourn the lo.ss of his wife, 
who pa.ssed away on the 4th of March. He still 
resides on the old home with his children. 

In the Vail family were five children, all yet 
living: Adelbert, who resides in Whitewater; 



452 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Floyd of this sketch; Cora, the only daughter; 
Harry, who is cnga>;ed in the operation of the 
home farm; and l-'mest, who also works on the 
farm. 

No L-vent of special importance occurred during 
the hnyhood and youth of our subject. He was 
reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, and 
good educational jirivileges were affordeil him. 
From the time when he was old enough to follow 
the i»low he has devoted his energies to agricul- 
tural pursuits, and now ranks among the wide- 
awake and ]irogressi\e young fanners of the com- 
nnmity. As a companion and hel])niate on life's 
journey, he chose Miss Martha J. Pester, their 
wedding heing celebrated on the 5II1 of I-'ehruary, 
1S.S4. Her parents, Josiah and Martha Pester, 
were farming people of Jefferson County, where 
they had liK-aled on their emigration from Ivng- 
land to America in 1.S50. After their arrival in 
this country llie I'amily suffered quite severely 
from sickness, and two of llie children died in Ohio. 
Seven of the numliir are \ et li\ing. namely; Henry 



W., who now carries on farming in Dakota; Mary 
A., wife of William Close, a resident of Clay 
County, Neb. ; James, who now follows farming in 
Iowa; lili/a J., wife of Haskell Reynolds, who is 
located in the Hawkeye State; George, who owns 
and oi)crates the old Jiome farm; I\llen Iv., wife of 
William P.nrklinrst, of Iowa; and Martha, who 
was born in Jefferson County, April 5, i860, and 
is now the wife of our subject. 

This worthy couple have many friends in the 
conuuunily. and their pleasant home is noted for 
its hos|)italit\ . In social circles tlie\- hold an en- 
viable pf>silion, and it is with i)leasure that we 
present this record of their lives to our readers. 
Mr. \'ail now carries on general farming and 
owns eighty-three and ahalf acres of good laud. 
In his political views he is a Democrat, hasser\ed 
as Road Su]iervisor, and has been School Director 
for about nine years. The cau.se of education 
finds ill him a warm friend, and all worthy enter- 
])rises calculated to jirove of ])ublic lienefit receive 
his hearty support and co-operation. 



GRORCI-: SCIIAUB. 



glvOROlv SCHATH, i)roi)rietor of a carriage, 
wagon, blacksmith and general-rejiair shoji, 
is now doing a gfjod busine.ss in the village 
of Lake Peulah. He is one of the highly resi)ected 
citizens of the coiumuiiity, ami wc feel a.ssured 
that this record of his life will prove of interest to 
many of our readers. He has the honor of being 
a native of Walworth Comity, his birth having 
occurred in the town of Waterford on the 29th of 
Januar\', 1862. His jiarents, John and Annie 
Christina Scliaul), were both natives of Gerniaii\', 
and in 1.S5S crossed the Atlantic to America, 
locating on a farm in Ivist Troy, where for a few 
years the father worked as a fanii hand \>y the 
month. He then purchased a small farm in IJast 



Tro\' Townshi]), and made his home thereon for 
about sixteen years. On the expiration of that 
period he bought one hundred and twenty acres 
additional, his farm then coni|iiising one hundred 
and fifty .acres. To its cultivation and improve- 
ment he devoted his energies until his death, 
which occurred on the 17th of Noveml)er, i.Sy^. 
His land is still owned by the family. Eleven 
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Schaub, 
eight of whom are now living. When the father 
came to the New World he had no capital, but 
was indu.strions and enterprising, and steadily 
worked his way u])wanl, becoming a well-to-do 
man. 

Under the parental roof George Schaub was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



453 



reared to manhood, but after he had attained his 
majority he deteniiined to folUnv some other pur- 
suit than that of farming', and began working at 
the carriage and wagon maker's trade, which lie 
yet follows. During the past year he has been 
engaged in business in Lake Beulah, where he 
also carries on a blacksmith and general-repair 
shop. He deals in carriages, wagons and farm 
implements, and is enjoying a good bu.siness, 
which is constantly increasing. 

As a companion and helpmate on life's journe}', 
Mr. Schaub cho.se Miss Florence Baer, and their 
wedding was celebrated on the istli of Decemlier, 
1SS5. The lady is a daughter of Isaac Baer, a 
native of New York, who in an early day emi- 
grated to Wisconsin, locating in East Troy Town- 
.sliip. For a number of years he followeil farming, 
but is now engaged in general merchandising in 



Menomonee Falls, Wis. In his family were four 
sons and two daughters, all of whom reached 
mature years, and are now living in Wisconsin 
in comfortable circumstances. 

Empty-handed Mr. Schaub started out in life 
for himself, with no capital or influential friends 
to aid him in the struggle. But he was industri- 
ous and enterprising, and his earnest efforts have 
placed him at the head of a good business. He 
has one of the neatest homes in the village, 
and is now comfortably situated in life. He 
votes with the Republican party, but has never 
sought or desired jiolitical preferment. He has 
always lived in Walworth County, and those who 
have known him from boyhood are among his 
warmest friends, a fact which indicates a well- 
spent life. 



GEORGE W. MILLS, M. D. 



gEORGE W. MILLS, M. D., who is .success- 
fully engaged in the practice of medicine as 
a member of the homeopathic school, is rec- 
ognized as one of Whitewater's most cultured and 
educated citizens. He was born in this place on 
the 20th of January, 1856, and is a son of Alsop 
V. and Bethana J. (Hamilton) Mills, both of 
whom were natives of New York. By occupa- 
tion the father was a farmer in early life. In 1840 
he emigrated westward, taking uji his residence 
in Wi.sconsin. He is now living at Lake Mills, 
Wis., where he is successfully engaged in the 
lumber business. The Mills family has long re- 
sided in New York, having been founded in 
America during early Colonial days. 

The Doctor is the eldest in a family of si.x chil- 
dren, five of whom are yet living. He was 
reared upon a farm, early becoming familiar with 
all the duties of such a life. After completing his 



education he engaged in teaching school for sev- 
eral years, and then learned telegraphy. He be- 
came a telegraph operator, and was thus emplov- 
ed for four years, but, becoming dissatisfied, he re- 
solved to turn his attention to some other pursuit, 
and at the age of twentj'-eight took up the study 
of medicine. In 1S89, he was graduated from 
the Chicago Homeopathic College, having pre- 
viously been a student in the Hahnemann Med- 
ical College, of Chicago. He emliarked in the 
practice of his proiession in Dccorah, Iowa, where 
he remained for a year, after which he spent a 
short time at Lake Mills. vSince then he has 
lived in Whitewater, and has been recognized as 
one of its leading and successful physicians. He 
is a thorough student of the profession, keeps 
abreast with everything connected with the sci- 
ence, and has rapidl\- won a foremost place among 
the practitioners of the county. 



454 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



In his political views, Dr. Mills is a Proliibi- ognized as an excellent critic on literary matters, 

bitionist, and is one of the editorial writers for and is a leader among the cnltnred iieople of 

the paper of Whilewater. Socially, he is con- W'liitfwater. In liis native city, where the greater 

nected with the Knights of I'ythias lodge. He is part of his life has been ]iasse<I. he has many 

a man of oiiltnre and fine literary tastes, is rec- friends, and all who know him esteem him highly. 



\\'Ai;n-i< M. Ki.xc;. 



|.\I,TICR M. KING, wlio is now living a re- 
tired life ill Whitewater, was for many 
years prominently connected with the 
ollicial life of this place. He has a wide acfjnaint- 
ance thronghont sf)nthern Wisconsin, and his 
well-sj)cnt life has gained for him snch high re- 
gard that we feel a.s.sured that this sketch will 
prove of interest to many of our readers. lb- 
was born in Chelsea County, \'t., N()vend)er lo, 
1840, and is of I'<ugli.sh descent. His grandfather, 
Nathan King, was born in England, and. emi- 
grating to the New World, located in \'ermont in 
a very early day. 

The parents of our subject, Rcw Warren and 
Rhodajane (Waldoj King, were Ixjth natives of 
the Green Mountain State, and the father was a 
Baptist preacher. He also followed cabinet-mak- 
ing, and in that capacity he was often called upon 
to make a cofiin for a person who.se funeral he 
would preach the next day. In 1848 he came to 
Wisconsin, and for two years had charge of a 
church in Racine. He then went to Marengo, 
111., where he spent about seven years, when he 
came to W'hitewater. Later he was called to 
Jackson, Mich. During the war he went In the 
front as Chaplain of a Michigan regiment, but 
after a few months returned to Jackson. In iSfy^, 
he went to California, on account of his health, 
and in 1872 returned to Lodi, Wis., where he en- 
gaged in farming. His last days, however, were 
spent in California. Mrs. King, wlio was burn in 
iSio, is still living in Janesvillc. In llie family 



were seven children, but three died in earl\ child- 
hood. Those .still living are Cynthia J., wife of 
E. T. Knowlton, of Rockford, 111.; George W., 
who is living in Wymore, Neb.; Sarah J., wife of 
C. I). Childs, of Greenville; and Walter M. 

Our subject was only eight years of age when 
his i>arents came to Wisconsin. At the age of 
eighteen, in company with Dot Williams and 
H>ron I'ailey, he built a boat, upon which were 
loaded tents, guns and other eriuipments, and the 
three sailed down tlic Rock and Missi.ssipjii 
Rivers to vSt. I^ouis, where they .sold out. Mr. 
King then went to St. Jo.seph, where he hired out 
lo drive a team across the prairie; but after travel- 
ing for two Weeks they were met by a return 
party, who said that .some of their mnnber had 
been massacred by the Indians, and so Mr. King 
and the company with which he traveled returned 
to St. Jo.sejili. He then walked all the distance 
to Hannibal, Mo., for his money was all gone, 
and .secured work with a ma.son. Later he went 
to vS])rin^;field, 111., arriving in the city the even- 
ing Abraham Lincobi made his first spc-ech after 
being nominated for the Presidency. This was 
the first lime he saw and heard the President. 

l-'nnn vSjjringfield, Mr. King came to White- 
water, where he remained until iSfii, when he re- 
sponded to the country's call for troops, and enli.ste<l 
in the State .service. He was afterwards assigned 
to the Eonrth Wiscon.sin Regiment, under Col. 
Albert ]•',. Paine. This re.uinienl followed the 
Sixth Mas.sachnsetls through Baltimore, and the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



455 



charge of the road was assigned to them at the 
Relay House. Mr. King did faithful service, 
lieing always foiuid at liis post of duly, \'aliantly de- 
fending the Old Flag and the cau.se it represented. 
He was wounded at Baton Rouge, La., Kehruary 
i6, 1864, and on the 28th of July, following, was 
honorably discharged. With his arm in a .sling 
he returned to Whitewater, one of the honored 
veterans of the late war. 

On the 2d of October, 1865, Mr. King was 
united in marriage with Mi.ss Sarah Jane Rock- 
well, daughter of Hiram Rockwell, of Hartford, 
Conn. At the time of her marriage she was visit- 
ing in Wisconsin. Eight children have been 
born to them: Louis H., an engineer on the Chi- 
cago, Burlington <t Quincy Railroad, now living 
in Gale.sburg, 111.; Minnie E., a book-keeper of 
Jane-sville; Charles W., who is connected with the 
Machine Manufacturing Company of Janesville; 
Jessie M., wifeolM. F. Goodman, of Whitewater: 
Grace L. , Maud S., Olive J. and Arthur Harri- 
■son. 

Upon his marriage, Mr. King accepted a posi- 
tion with the firm of Winchester & Partridge, 
with whom he remained for eight years. He was 
then appointed City Marshal to fill a vacancy, 
and on the expiration of that term was re-elected, 
tilling the office for four consecutive years. His 
successor, however, resigned, and he was again 
chosen to the position. He soon won a high 
reputation for fearlessness in the discharge of his 



duties, and when offered a more lucrative position 

with the detective agency of Chicago, strong 
opposition was made to his leaving Whitewater. 
One of the papers urged the Council to offer e.xtra 
inducements to have him remain, saying that 
"He is a man of excellent judgment, unques- 
tioned courage, perseverance, long experience, 
and withal a kind friend and gentleman." An- 
other wrote: "We have secured a man who luiites 
the elements of a .splendid officer of the law with 
integrity, faithfulness, promptness and abnega- 
tion of personal interest." On numerous occa- 
sions he was severely tried. His life was .sought 
by outlaws, and on one occasion a bullet fired by 
a midnight marauder struck and split the butt of 
a revolver which he had in his vest pocket right 
over the heart. He twice served as Deputy 
Sheriff, but of late years has lived retired. 

Mr. King is a member of the Grand Army of 
the Republic, and his wife belongs to the 
Woman's Relief Corps and Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Since casting his first Presidential vote 
for Abraham Lincoln, he has been an inflexible 
adherent of the principles of the Republican party. 
He is a strict temperance man, having never 
taken a drop of liquor or used tobacco in his life. 
His record commands the respect of all, and his 
example is certainly in many respects well worthy 
of ennilation. No trust reposed in him has ever 
been l)etrayed, for confidence and duty are to him 
sacred. 



JOHN DILLENBECK. 



I 



OHN DILLENBECK, who owns a good farm 
of two hundred and eighty acres on .section 
15, Linn Township, where he and his two 
sons, Orlando and Jonas, are engaged in tlie 
dairy business and in stock-raising, was born 
in Danube, Herkimer County, N. Y., on the 



20th of May, 1816, and when seventeen years 
of age went to St. Lawrence County, where he 
began life for himself with a ca.sh capital of 
$200. In Morristown Township, he purchased 
a farm, on which he lived for twentj- years, 
and in his undertakings he met with fair sue- 



456 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



cess. At Iciijjth liL- ilfteriiiiiietl to .seek a home 
ill the West, :m(l in 1.S54 .sold his New York 
larin and came to Wisconsin, locatinj; on what is 
now the family homestead in Linn Townsliip. 
There he has lived for forty years. He is one of 
the highly respected cili/ens of Walworth Conn- 
ty, his well-spent life having gained him the con- 
fidence and esteem of all who know him. 

John Dillenljeck was married in Jefferson Coun- 
ty, X. v., Ma\- 22, 1.S45, to Missjulia Xellis, who 
was horn June 2-1, 1X26, and died January 25, 
1.S.S6. They became the parents of five children: 
Orlando, born on the 21st of May. 1S46, at Mor- 
ristown, St. Lawrence County, N. Y.; Jonas, 
who was also l)orn at Morristown. X. Y., Septem- 
ber I, 1849; Nancy, wlio was horn at Morristown, 
January 19, 1.S52, and is now the wife of Theo- 
dore Shoudy; and Mary and Arvilla, both horn 
in Linn Township, Walworth County, Wis., the 
former August 10, 1855, and llic latter May 26, 
1S64. Mary is an artist, and .\r\ ilia is interested 
ill music. 

The founder of the Dillenbeck family in .\nier- 
ica wns Martin Tilleiibach, for so the name was 
siJcUed at that lime. While en route for America 
in 1720 he was shipwrecked, was picked u]) by 
another vessel, and taken to Xew York. A paper 
which is now in the possession of our subject, bear- 
ing the old-time Ihitish seal, contains the follow- 
ing: "I, Brigadier Robert Hunter, late Captain- 
General and Goveriior-in-Ciiief of the province of 
New York, by James Alexander, my attorney, do 
hereby relea.se and forever (|uit claim to Martin 
Tilleiiljach (one of the distressed palatines bronglit 
over unto the province of New York for the 
nianufacture of naval stores) all claims and de- 
mands which I have from him for the nionexs ex- 
])eiided for his .subsistence on his arrival in this 
province, in hopes that His Majesty will be gra- 
ciously plea.sed to .satisfy me for the same. In 
witness wliercHjf I have hereunto, by my attorney, 
set my seal this 2,^1 day of August, 1722. (Signed ) 
Robert Huntir. bv Janu-s ,\lexaiider, his attor- 
ney." 

Wilhelmus Tilleb.igh, a son of the foregoing, 
was commi.ssioned Seioiid Lieutenant and subse- 
quently Captain in the b'rencli and Indian War. 



Both commissioiis are in po.s.scs.sioii of our sub- 
ject. The first bears date January 5, 1758, and 
was issued by James I)e Lancey, His Majesty's 
Lieutenant Governor, ami Commaiuler- in Chief 
in and over the province of New York, and the 
territories depending thereon in America. It 
reads: "Reposing a .special trn.st and confidence as 
well in the care, diligence and circumspection, as 
in the Io\alitv, c<nirage and readine.ss of you to 
do His Majesty's good and faithful .ser\-ice, I have 
nominated, constituted and ajipoiiited, and I do, 
by virtues of the powers and authorities t(j me 
given by His Majesty, hereby nominate, consti- 
tute and appoint you, the .said Willu-linus Tille 
bagli, to be Second Lieutenant of the Company of 
.Militia of the Schenectady Battalion, whereof 
Susferinus Sygerlog is Captain. Given under my 
I land an<l Seal-at-Arms, in New York, the 5th day 
of January, in the 31st year of His Majesty's 
reign, 1758, in- his honor's commaiul. James De 
Lancey." The British seal ornaments the U])ix:r 
left-hand corner, and underneath it is the local 
.seal of the province of New York. 

William Dilleiibach, grand.sonof the foregoing, 
became j)o.s,ses.sed of a negro .slave. The bill of 
sale, bearing date February 16, 1793, is also in 
the possession of our sulvject. Tlie consideration 
was .seventy pounds, and the transfer is longer and 
fuller of stipulations than a deed at the present 
day. Jonas Dillenbeck, great-grandson of the 
foregoing, was the father of our subject. 

In the usual manner of farmer lads Orlando 
Dillenbeck spent the da>s of his boyhoiKl and 
youth, and was educated in the common .schools, 
and in a seminary. At the age of nineteen he 
and his brother took charge of the home farm, 
and fmni lime to time have extended its bounda- 
ries, unlil it now comprises two hundred and 
eighty acres of rich and valuable land. Part of 
it is under a high state of cultivation, and the 
remainder is devoted to jia.sturage. For over 
twenty years they have been interested in rais- 
ing fine horses, mo.stly jieavy French Coach 
horses, and have some fine specimens upon their 
jilace. They also have a fiiK-k of about two 
hundred sheep and lambs. They keep about 
thirty-five cows, and are doing a good dairy busi- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



457 



ness, and the various departments of their farm thies, but have never sought or desired political 



work are so ably managed that a good income is 
derived therefrom. In 1871 their present tine resi- 
dence was erected, and in iSSi the barn was 
built, one of the best and largest in the township. 
In politics, Mr. Dillenbeck and sons have al- 
ways been Republicans with Prohil)ition .sympa- 



preferment, wishing to give their entire time and 
attention to tlicir business interests. They are 
enterprising, energetic and progressive men, and 
by well-directed efforts have won a consideral)le 
competence. 



ARTHUR G. CARLIN. 



GIRTHURG. CARLIN, who carries on gen- 
Ll eral farming on .section 2, Whitewater Town- 
/ I ship, is a native of Wisconsin. He was born 
in Ottawa, Waukesha County, on the 8th of No- 
vember, 1855, and is a .son of William and Emma 
(Hinton) Carlin. His parents were both natives 
of England, the former born in Yorkshire, and 
the latter in London. With their respective fam- 
ilies they cro.ssed the Atlantic to America, the 
father making the voyage in 1825. The mother 
emigrated to the New World about the .same 
time-, and became the first music-teacher of Mil- 
waukee. Mr. Carlin first settled in Michigan, 
but after a short time removed to Milwaukee, 
where he followed carpentering and building lui- 
til he had acquired capital enough to purcha.se a 
farm. He then became the owner of land in 
Waukesha and Jefferson Counties, and devoted 
his remaining days to agricultural pursuits. His 
death occurred in August, 1887, and he was laid 
to rest in Melinda Prairie Cemetery, in the town 
of Eagle. He was a successful business man, and 
though he started out in life without capital, he 
steadily worked his way upward from a humble 
po.sition to one of affluence, becoming owner of 
about four hundred acres of the rich farming 
land of Wisconsin. 

In the Carlin family were .seven children, and 
four of the number are yet living. Matthew^ the 



eldest, died in childhood; Johnnie W. died when 
al)ont seventeen years of age; Walter H., who 
was born August 16, 1851, is now engaged in 
farming and carpentering in Palmyra, Jefferson 
County: Mrs. Louisa J. Turner died in June, 
1883; Christopher is on the old homestead at 
Palmyra; Emma is also on the old homestead; 
and Arthur G., the member of the family in 
whom we are most interested is widely and 
favorably known as one of the representative 
farmers of Walworth County. He remained 
at home until nineteen years of age, became 
familiar with all the duties of farm life, and 
also began learning the carpenter's trade, but 
abandoned it before completing his apprentice- 
ship. He has made farming his life work, and is 
now the owner of sixty-one acres of land, under a 
high state of cultivation and well improved. He 
is also engaged in the dairj' bu.siness. 

On the 9th of April, 1884, was celebrated tiie 
marriage of Mr. Carlin and Miss Sarah L. Bagley, 
daughter of George A. Bagley, who is living in 
Nebraska. Two children grace this union, a .son 
and daughter; Edward A., who was born July 
12, 1886, and Louise M., born on the 26th of 
April, 1889. 

In his political views, Mr. Carlin is a Repnl)- 
lican, and keeps well informed on the i.ssues of 
the day, but has never sought or desired public 



458 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



office. He is a wide-awake and progressive citi- 
zen, who takes a comnicndable interest in every- 
thiiiR jx-rtaininy to the welfare of the coiiiimiiiity, 



and ^ives his support and co-ojieration to every 
enterjjrise calculated to jirove of public Ix'nefit. 



CRANT I). lIARKIXCrrOX. 



[gjRANT I). liAKRIXGTON, who is engaged 
l_ ill tile ]inl>lication of the EnkrprUc of Dela- 
\J^ van, is recognized as one of the wide-awake 
and ])rogressive citizens of this i)lace. He was 
here horn on the i Jth of October, 1862, and is a 
son of Milton S. and l-'annie Iv (Milliinore) Har- 
rington, botli of whom are natives of New Xork. 
The paternal grandfather was born in Rhode 
Island, and was a fanner by occupation. Re- 
moving to the Empire State, he there died at an 
advanced age. The maternal grandfather was a 
New York fanner. In i.Ssg he went to Utah, and 
he and liis wife and five chililren were killed by 
the Indians. MiltDii .S. Harringloii did not fol- 
low the imisnit \m which he was reaietl, but be- 
came a mechanic. In 1844 he took up his resi- 
dence in Delavan, Wis., but after a few years he 
went to lUichanan Count\-, low'a, where he en- 
gaged in farming until 1S59, when he starteil icix 
California. A year later, he returned to Delavan 
and has since m.ade his home in this city. The 
l)arents of our subject had a famih- (jf four cliii- 
ilieii, three .sons and a daughter: Harney H., 
now living in Stevens I'oint, Wis.; and Grant D.. 
I'Mdie A. and Klla, all of whom reside in Dela- 
van. 

In his native citw Mr. Harrington i^f ihisskelcli 
was reared and educated. At the age of fifteen 
he began learning the j)rinter's trade in the ofiice 
of the IClkhoni hid, [>iiid< III, and when nineteen 
years of a.i;e he went to \'alparai.s(), Ind., to enter 
the Noitlieni Indiana Normal ScIio.)l, from which 
he was graduated two years later. The follow- 
ing winter he engaged in teaching in Ooshen, 
Ind., and in tlie .spring he returned to Valparaiso, 



l)ecomini.; editor of the /hii/y I'ldtih-, which posi- 
tion he filled until the following fall. In the 
winter of iS,S4, he went to Rock \'alley. Iowa, 
and established the Ri\i;ishr at that i)lace, con- 
tinuing its publication with good success for nine 
years. In i.S,S6 he also embarked in a land and 
insurance business, which he carried on in con- 
nection with his paper. In 1888 he became one 
of the organizers and incorjiorators of the Slate 
Hank of Rock Valley, and was elected \' ice- Presi- 
dent and Director, serving as such until Januar>', 
i.'>y4. lie also served as Postmaster of Rock 
\'alley under President Harrison, and was a lead- 
ing and iiillueuli.il citizen of that place, taking a 
])romiiient part in pni)lic affairs. In 1893 lie re- 
turned to IK-lavan and purcha.sed the /uihipi isc 
of H. T. Sharp. The pajier is Republican in 
])olilics, and has a good circulation. In the office 
all kinds of jol)-printing are done, :ind as only 
first-class work is turned out, a liberal jiatronage 
is given this (le))ai liilent. 

On the 5lh of January, 1887, Mr. Harrington 
was united in marriage with Miss Sada Smith, 
d.iughter of Mrs. M. P. Ivsles, ofO.sceola, Iowa. 
The young couple are both members of the Con- 
gregational Church, and Mr. Harrington is a 
member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to 
Delavan Lodge No. I3i. A. K. N: A. M.; Dda 
van Chapter No. 38, R. A. M.; and Ueloit Coin- 
iiiander\- No. 6, K. T. Tlie Re])ublican party 
finds in him a stanch sn|)porter of its |)riiiciples, 
and the comiiuuiit\- recognizes in him a \alued 
citizen, lor he is ever ready to aid in the ])romo- 
tion of its best interests. 




Jasi'Kk M. Imsm 




Mrs. J. M. Fish 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



463 



JASPER M. FISH, 



(TASPER M. fish, one of the prominent 
I farmers of Walworth County, now Hvin;< on 
(2/ section 1 1 , Geneva Township, was born in 
Honey Hollow, Greene County, N. Y., January 
31, 1S36, and is one of the eight children born of 
the union of Silas and Betsy (Raymond) Fish. 
The family was early founded in the Empire 
State. The paternal grandfather, Silas Fish, 
who lived to an advanced age, and died on the 
old lioniestead, was a native of Albany County, 
N. Y., and there followed farming for a number 
of years. He was three times married, and 
reared a family by each wife, but the father 
of our subject was the only son of the second 
marriage who grew to manhood. The daughters 
by that marriage were Su.san, who married Na- 
thaniel Tompkins, of Albany County, N. Y.; 
Mary, who married John Tovvn.send, of Philadel- 
phia, Pa. ; Sarah, who iuarried Isaac King, of 
Albany County, N. Y.: and Amy, who married 
Daniel Frost, also of Albany County, N. Y. The 
maternal grandfather, Elias Raymond, was a na- 
tive of Athens, N. Y. During his early years he 
followed the cooper's trade, but afterward engaged 
in merchandising. His wife was Miss Hannah 
Scott, and they reared a family of six children. In 
1857 they came to Wisconsin, and in the .spring of 
1868 came to Walworth County from Sauk 
County. He died in November, 1878, at the age 
of ninety-one years. A member of the Methodi.st 
Church, he lived a temperate, honorable and up- 
right life. 

Silas Fish was also born in the Empire State, 
April 19, 1806, and while in the East followed 
farming and lumbering. In April, 1855, he emi- 
grated westward, taking up his residence in Win- 
field Township, Sauk County, Wis., where he 



purchased a farm of two hundred and four acres 
of partially improved land, and thereon made his 
home until his death, which occurred on Febru- 
aiy 20, 1888, two months before his eighty-si.xth 
birthday. Both he and his wife, BetS}' (Ray- 
mond) Fish, were believers in the faith of the So- 
ciety of F''riends. Their family numbered si.x; 
sons and two daughters: Elizabeth, wife of Thomas 
Powell, of Winfield Township, Sauk County; 
Elias R., who is living in Sparta, Monroe County, 
Wis. ; Spencer C. , of Reedsburg, Wis. ; Ja.sper M. ; 
Lewis N., of Winfield Township, Sauk County; 
Emma Jane, wife of Charles Edwin Kellej', of the 
same place; Lucius, now living in Reedsburg; 
and Elbert W. , of Winfield Township. 

Mr. Fish of this sketch was a young man of 
nineteen years when he came with his parents to 
the Badger State. He was reared in New York, 
and acquired his education in the old-time schools. 
He remained with his father until he had attained 
his majoritj', and in 1859 he •'fettled on a forty- 
acie tract of land in Sauk County, Wis., which 
his father gave him. During the previous winter 
he had visited Walworth County, and had become 
acquainted with Miss Ten.iperance Hand, who, on 
the 29th of October, 1859, became his wife. She 
was a daughter of Jared and Mary J. (Ray- 
mond) Hfiid, and was one of five children who 
grew to maturity, the others being Hannah A., 
deceased, wife of John Greenwood, of Sauk 
County; Raymond J., a contractor and builder, 
of San Antonio, Tex. , who married Harriet Coles, 
of Lyons, Wis.; Helen M., wife of J. W. Moore, 
an attorney of Dallas, Tex.; and Milton J., who 
has a milk and dairy supply business in Kansas 
City, Mo., and who married Miss Adaline Wisch- 
husen. Mrs. Fish came to Wisconsin with her 



24 



464 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



parents when six years of age. Her union with 
Mr. Fish was blessed with seven children, four 
sons and three daughters: Lorenzo J., Mary E., 
William H., Silas H., Elizabeth M., Charles R. 
and Grace T. 

For some time Mr. Fish was a supporter of the 
DeuKX-racy, and voted for Grover Cleveland in 
i>S,S4, but since that time has been an advocate of 
the Prohibition party and its principles. He 
lived upon his forty-acre farm in Sauk County for 
about ei^ht years, and in 1866 he ])urcliased of 
James Stedman one hundred and sixty-one acres 
of land in Walworth County; in 1874116 bou.nlit 
of John Smith one hundred and sixty acres, and 
devoted his time to general farming and stock- 
raising. In 1883 he left his first farm, renting it 
to his .son, L. J-, and removed to the one which 
he had later purchased. Hoth farms, however, 
are now rented to his .sons, to whom he has also 
sold his stock, for he wi.shed to turn his attention 
to other interests. In the winter of 1890 91 Mr. 
Fish took a prominent jiart in organizing the 
Wahvorlli County Printing Company, together 
with other leading Prohibitionists. The officers 
of the Walworth County Printing Company are: 
President, J. M. Fish; Vice-President, J no. A. 
Cowles; Treasurer, C. E. Wing; Secretary, Chas. 
Iv. Hadger. Directors: V. C. Dinsmore, I. E. 
Weaver, L. Allen, J. M. Fish, S. Forrest, Sr., 
C. G. Healy, II. P. We.st. Original stockhold- 
ers; C. E. Wing, J. M. Fi.sh, J. A. Cowles, D. 
Whitmore, H. H. Tubbs, S. Forrest. Sr., J. H. 
GuukKest.), C. E.IJadger, Jos. Collie, I). I), J. P. 



Webster. J. J. Phoenix, J. P. Topping, W. Rice, 
E. L. Harris, S. Faville, Frank Phtenix, M. L. 
IIollister& Son, P. R. Jackson, C. K. Wilkins. 
A. V. Sawyer, F. C. Dinsmore, D. E. La Bar, 
A. S. Spooner, F. G. Harlow, Delavan W. C. 
T. U., J. H. Phelps, S. Raymond, C. R. Treat, 
I. E. Weaver, M. A. Packer, O. S. Day, G. H. 
KirchhoITer, F. C. Weaver, E. E. Re^d. J. P. 
Rootl, C. O. Hand, W. B. Ells, H. P. West, A. 
A. Hoyt, H. I. Hawks, R. B. Winsor (est.), 
Jno. Feser, C. G. Healy, I. A. Travis, S. C. 
Ford, N. J. Aplin, F. Johnson, W. P. Hague, E. 
R. Lovesee, S. B. Winn, D. L. Hoi brook, E. E. 
Cowles, B. F. Skiff, W. W. While, Lydia Hand, 
Parmelia Hand, L. Allen, J. H. Shepard, lilk- 
horn W. C. T. U., W. H. Mayhew, C. Barnes, 
J. B. Kestol, H. Houghton, H. P. Sanford, L. 
E. Parker, Walworth W. C. T. U., Sugar Creek 
W. C. T. U., I). I). Fairchild, Helen Britton, 
Jno. G. Flack, Mary J. Hand (Est.), A. I. Dex- 
ter, J. W. Olmsted. This company was formed 
for the purpo.se of establishing a Prohibition 
paper, and Mr. F'i.sh was elected its President, 
having continuously fdled that office. They es- 
tablished the Blade, which was published for 
eighteen months by Charles Badger. On the 
expiration of that period H. H. Tubbs, of Elk- 
horn, became as,sociated with Mr. Badger. The 
paper is now in a llourishing condition, is ably 
edited, and its circulation is constantly increas- 
ing. Mr. Fi.sh now devotes much of his time to 
the interest of the lilade, and is recognized as one of 
tliL ])ruiiiineiit Prohibition workers of Wisconsin. 



MORRIS PRATT 



V /loRKlS PR.\TT, one of the self-made men 

Y of Walworth County, and one of the highly- 

(^ resjiected citizens of Whitewater, claims 

New York as the State of his nativity. He was 



born in Madison County Deceinl)er 13, 1820, ami 
is a son of Joseph and Clari.s.sa (Morris) Pratt, 
the former a native of Massachusetts, and the 
latter of New York. They had a family of eight 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



465 



children, but only three of the number are now 
living, nanielj': Caroline, wife of Sidney Spring, 
of Madison County, N. Y.; Corydou, who is liv- 
ing near Whitewater; and Morris of this sketch. 
The father of this family was a farmer by occupa- 
tion throughout his entire life. In 1842 he came 
with the family to Wisconsin, locating in Lima, 
Rock County, where he spent his remaining 
days, passing awaj- in 184S. The mother sur- 
vived him and passed away in 1874. ' 

Morris Pratt, whose name heads this record, 
was reared and educated in the Empire State, and 
early became familiar with the duties of farm life. 
In 1.S40 he bade adieu to home and friends, and 
emigrated to the Territory of Wisconsin, for he 
had determined to tiy his fortune upon the broad 
prairies of the West. Here he began work as a 
farm hand for a cousin, and labored hard at break- 
ing prairie and cultivating new land, getting the 
sum of $150 for a year's service. Later he worked 
at any employment which would give him an 
honest living, until after the arrival of his father, 
when, in company with his brothers,' he cleared 
and stocked a large farm. 

On the 2 1st of November, 1850, Mr. Pratt was 
united in marriage with Mi,ss Mary J. Austin, a 
daughter of John Austin, of A11)aiiy County, 
N. Y. In an early day her family had emigrated 



with the family westward, taking up their resi- 
dence in Wisconsin in 1846. The young couple 
began their domestic life upon a farm, and Mr. 
Pratt continued to carry on agricultural pursuits 
with good success until 1888. He found in his 
wife a faithful companion and helpmate, who 
ably seconded his labors. In 1888, he .sold his 
farm and came to Whitewater, where he erected 
a large house, and on the 28th of April, 1889, it 
was dedicated by Mrs. Colby Luther as a sanita- 
rium and science hall. The cost of erection was 
$30,000. It contains a hall capable of seating 
three hundred and sixty people, which is open at 
all times to lecturers. Another hall is used ex- 
clusively for spiritualistic seances, lectures and 
preaching. Both Mr. and Mrs. Pratt are Spir- 
itualists in religious belief, and are kind, charita- 
ble and benevolent people, devoted to the best in- 
terests of humanity. The honesty of purpose 
and .strict integrity of Mr. Pratt are above ques- 
tion, and a well-spent life has won for him the 
confidence and respect of all. He is numbered 
among the valued citizens of Walworth County, 
and from an early day has not only witnessed 
the growth and development of this region, but 
in all possible ways has aided in its advancement 
and upbuilding, doing all in his power for the 
promotion of its best interests. 



BENJAMIN J. BILL, M. D. 



"J ENJAMIN J. BILL, M. D. The name Bill 
^ can be traced to its real source. It is an 
^ Engli.sh word, havnig a Norman ongui. 
In the time of the Norman conquest of Eng- 
land, the .soldiers of the invading army were 
divided into distinct classes, including knights, 
who were clad in full armor and mounted; 
battle-axe or bill men; and archers. The mid- 
dle cla.ss, on becoming incorporated with the 



inhabitants of Britain,' were known as bill men, 
and when surnames came into u.se during the 
first fifty years ofthe fourteenth century, ancestors 
of our subject received the name Bill, from the 
general cognomen, which for many years prior 
to 1300 had been applied to them. The name 
is novi' the very oldest in all England, being di- 
rectly traceable in a single county for a period of 
about five hundred years. 



4'')6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



The first of whom we have any special account (scarce a score of jieople), all have descended from 

is Dr. Thomas Hill, who was horn in Ik'dfordsliire, the ahovo Philij). His blood coursts to-day in 

in 1490, and was a physician and attendant of the veins of over a thousand who l)ear his 

King Henry \'III., Edward VI. and Ihcl'rincess name, and these are now scattered over a couti- 

ICli/.alxth, afterwards (jueeii. PerhajJS the most nent which in his lifetime was an unknown 

cuiispiciious of all the family in Eni;lish annals wilderness, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. At 

( certainly a very learned and eminent man ) was the solicitation of Jnhn Winthroj), afterwards 



William IJill, D. D., LL. D., born in Ashwell, in 
Herefordshire, al>out 1 505. He was nia.sler of St. 
John's College, Vice-chancellor of the University, 
and one of the King's Chaplains. He was ejectetl 
by yueen Mary for his decided faith in Protestant- 
ism, and, recalled by Queen lilizaljeth, became 



Governor of Connecticut, Philip Hill moved to 
New London, Conn., and settled t)n the east bank 
of the Thaiftes River. The territiMv (jniipied by 
him is now the town of Groton. 

The subject of this sketch belong.-, to the eighth 
generation of Philij) Hill's descendants. He was 



her Majesty's chief Almoner, was restored as born in Plainfield, Conn., on the 24th of August, 



Ma.sler of Trinity, and elected Provost of Eton 
College. On the 30th of June, 1560, he was in- 
stalled Dean of Westminister, being the first in- 
cundjent of that oflice. He died July 15, 1561, 
and was interred in W'estminister Abl)ev. No 



1850, and was a son of Jephthah G. and Prudence 
P. (Ik-njamin) Hill. Their family uundjcred three 
children: the Doctor; Harriet P. Young, of Gris- 
wt)ld,Xe\v London Comity, Conn. ; and Ann Isabel- 
la, who dietl when thirteen vears old. The father 



other person has ever held at the same time the is a prosperous farmer and prominent citizen. 



three important positions of Master of Trinity, 
Provost of Eton, and Dean of Westminister. 
He was an author of note in his time, and some 
of his writings are now in the university collec- 
tions. He had a daughter Mary, and a son 
Charles, who held many important offices. 

John Hill, born in the pari.sh of Much Wenlock, 
appears in London in 1606 as a publisher to 



He has held many local offices, and has repre- 
.sented his district in the State Legislature, h'ur 
many years both he and his wife have been mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcojwl Churcii, and take 
an active part in church and benevolent work. 
The Heujamins are al.so of a prominent Connecti- 
cut family, of ICnglish origin, and .several genera- 
lions lie in the churchvard at Griswcjld, Conn., 



King James I. One of the earliest volumes among them Eames Benjamin, a .soldier of the 
showing the imjjrint of Mr. Hill is that written WarofiSi2. The Hills as a race have always b^-eii 
by the King himself It is ni)W a book of great noted for their fidelity, integrity and upright- 
value because of its anti(piity and rarity. He ne.ss of character. The principal inxnipations to 
was the first King's Printer. P'rom 1607 until which they have been attracted are the ministry, 
1700 the names of John Hill and his .son Charles, medicine, book-publishing, and agriculture, and 
his .succes.sor, appear as publishers. Several among them were several noted regular arni> 



noted and .successful i)ublisliiMg hou.seshave been 
founded in America by Gurdon Hill, Ledyard 
Hill, Henry Hill, James A. Hill and Avery Bill, 
and many have been legislators. About 1630 
one John Hill and his wife Dorothy, with their fam- 



surgeons, including Dr. James Howl.ind Hill, Dr. 
Curtis Harvey Hill and Dr. Frederick Hill. 

Dr. Hill of this sketch acquired his literary 
education in the Providence Conference Seminary, 
of East Greenwich, R. I., and on leaving that 



ily, arrived in Boston, Mass. He is thought to jilace, at the age of nineteen years, he Ijegan the 

study of medicine under the direction (»f Dr. R. 
C. Young, of X'oluntowu, Conn. In 1S71, he 
came West, and in the following winter attended 
a coui.se of lectures in the medical dei)artment in 
the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, Later 



have been the eldest son of the King's Printer. 
He died in 1638, leaving three .sons, James, 
Thomas and Philip. E.xcept the Hill families resid- 
ing iuSaxonville ami Waltham, Mass., and those 
in Decatur and Gencscd, III., and Tn>>-, N. Y., 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



467 



he entered Rush Medical College, of Chicago, 
and was graduated from that institution in the 
Class of 1879. 

On September i, ICS73, Dr. Bill was united in 
marriage with Miss Rebecca Coggcshall, a daugh- 
ter of Dr. S. W. and Mary Coggcshall, natives of 
Little Compton, Rhode Island. The lady was a 
member of the Methodi.st Episcopal Church, and 
died in that faith December 11, 1S75. On the 
15th of September, 1S77, Dr. Bill was again mar- 
ried, his second union being with Miss Sarah 
Stickland, a daughter of George and Harriet 
(Toms) Stickland, natives of England. Five 
children were born of this union: Benjamin J., 
Harriet P., Ann Isabella, Luther I,, and Ken- 
neth G. 



The Doctor and his wife are members of the 
Congregational Church, and he is now serving as 
Church Clerk. They have a pleasant home, 
which is the abode of hospitality, and in the com- 
munity their friends are many. In politics, the 
Doctor is a Republican, and has ,ser\'ed as a mem- 
ber ofthe School Board for many years. He belongs 
to the State Medical Societ}-, and the Fox River 
Medical Society, and is surgeon for the Chicago 
& Northwestern Railroad Company. Since his 
graduation from Ru.sh Medical College, he has 
lived in Genoa Junction, and has been .successfully 
engaged in the practice of his chosen profession, 
rapidly winning his way upward to a leading 
place in the fraternity. 



EDWARD MITCHELL. 



"~ DWARD MITCHELL, one of the .self-made 
^ men of East Troy Township, Walworth Coun- 
^ ty, owns one hundred and eighty-five acres 
offich land on section 31. His farm is one ofthe 
be.st in the neighborhood. The fields are well 
tilled, the buildings and fences are kept in good 
repair, and the neat and thrift}' appearance of the 
place well indicates the carefid supervision of the 
owner. He carries on general farming, and the 
success which has attended his efforts is the j ust 
reward of his labors. 

Mr. Mitchell, who is a native of Yorkshire, Eng- 
land, was liorn March 26, 1834, and is a son of Will- 
iam and Christina (Chandler) Mitchell, who were 
al-so natives of Yorkshire. The father was a 
farmer and laborer, and was in very limited cir- 
cum.stances in his native land. With the hope of 
bettering his financial condition, he emigrated to 
America in 1S57, and took up his residence on 
.section 32, Ea.st Troj- Township, Walworth 
County, Wis. A few years later he rented land. 



and in his farm work was aided by his sons. 
Their united efforts brought them some capital, 
and their financial resources were greatl}- in- 
creased. Mr. Mitchell became quite well-to-do, 
and in his declining j^ears was surrounded with 
all the comforts of life. 

The mother of our subject died in England, 
after which Mr. Mitchell wedded Mary Har- 
greaves. Nine children were born of the first 
union: George, now of East Troy ; Edward, of this 
sketch: Hannah, wife of Edward Sheppard, wdio 
is living on tlie .shore of Lake Beulah, in East 
Troy Township; Mrs. Anna Hargreaves, of Spring 
Prairie; Isaac, a farmer of Spring Prairie Town- 
ship; Jacob, who carries on agricultural pursuits 
in the same locality; Benjamin, a farmer of East 
Troy Town.ship; Sarah, wife of Augustus Comb, 
a resident of Iowa; and Ada, wife of Jo.seph Ham- 
mond, a farmer of East Troy Town.ship. George 
was born November 18, 1832; Hannah, vSeptem- 
ber 22, 1837; Anna, May 22, 1840; Isaac, Decern- 



468 



I'ORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ber iS, 1842; Jacob, October 13, 1845; Benjamin. 
.Vpril 22, 1S47; Sarah, SLi)tcinl)cr 18, 1850: and 
Ada, July 30, 1855. 

I'Mward Mitchell was early inured to the 
arduous labors of the farm. He came to Amer- 
ica with his father, and gave to him the benefit 
of his ser\'ices until twenty-five years of age, 
when he began working by the month as a farm 
hand, iK-ing thus employed until his marriage. 
On the i5tli of January, 1862, lie was married 
to Miss .Sarah, daughter of John and Anna 
Hurlon, natives of Yorkshire, England. Her 
parents came to the United States in a very early 
day, and located in Buffalo, N. Y., where they 
remained for a year. The year 1S49 witnessed 
their arrival in Walworth County, Wis. They 
settled on a farm in Hast Troy Township, and 
there the father carried on agricultural pursuits 
until his death. 

Soon after his marriage, Mr. Mitchell left his 
bride and entered his country's ser\ice, enlisting 
in the Forty-seventh Wisconsin Infantry, in 
which he .served until after the close of the war. 
He was honorably discharged in Nashville, Teiin. , 



in Septeml>cr, 1865, and at once returned to his 
family. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Mitchell. John, born Novenil)er 5, 1863, is an 
agriculturist of East Troy Township, as is Will- 
iam, who was Ixirn October 28,- 1865; Tedilie, 
l>orn Jaiuiary 22. 1867, now ojxjrates the home 
fann; Beiniie, iKirii June 2, 1869, is employed by 
his brother John: and Crissie, horn July 14, 1879, 
is attending .school in Ea.st Troy. 

Mr. Mitchell is now a memljer of the Grand 
Army of the Republic, and receives from the 
Government a pension. Both he and his wife 
are memlK-rs of the Methodi.st Episcopal Church, 
and are highly respected citizens, who hold an 
enviable position in social circles. Mr. Mitchell 
is a stalwart Republican in politics, iiinexil>le in 
his adherence to the jirincijiles of his party. For 
five years he served as SujTerx'isor, proving a most 
efficient and competent officer. He is also true 
to every trust repo.sed in him, whether public or 
private, and his many excellencies of character 
have won him the high regard of a large circle of 
friends and acquaintances. 



Jy\Mi:S F. JUDK. 



3.\MlvS F. Jl'Db;, tlK- i>kas.uU and geni.il \n(>- 
piiclnr of the Buena V'ista Hotel of liast 
Troy, and one of its enterprising and pro- 
gressive citizens, has the honor of l)eing a native 
of Walworth County, his birth having occurred 
on section 3, Spring Prairie Township. He is of 
Scotch descent, and is a representative of one of 
the prominent i>ioneer families of the county. 
His father, James Jude, was Ixjrn in Scotland in 
1 83 1, and was a .son of John and Agnes (Black) 
Jude. On the 22(1 of April, 185S, he married 
Devidus Telford, who was born in Scotland July 
31. 1S38. They became the parents of .seven 



cliililrcii, all of whom are yet lixiiig, namely: 
Agnes, wife of Henry Kenipe, a farmer of Spring- 
field, Walworth County; James F. t>f this sketch; 
Robert, who is now living in East Troy; Maggie 
and All)crt, who are .still at liome; Alice, wife of 
Arthur Anderson, a resident of Burlington, Wis.; 
and Telford, who is now living on the home farm. 
In the usual maimer of farmer lads the subject 
of this .sketch was reared and educated. In the 
sunnner months he aided in the labors of the 
fields, and in the winter season attended the jmb- 
lic schools. His time was thus pa.s.sed until 
twenty-four years of age, when, on the 5th of No- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



469 



vember, 1885, was celebrated his marriage with 
Miss Maggie Young, daughter of Charles and 
Ann Young, who were natives of Maine and Ire- 
land, respectively. The father engaged in farm- 
ing, and acquired a comfortable property. His 
parents came from France. 

When Mr. Jude began life for himself after his 
marriage, he purchased the Buena Vista Hotel of 
East Troy, a commodious house, pleasantly lo- 
cated. By strict attention to his business, and bj' 
well-directed efforts, he has won success. He is 
a man of gentlemanly bearing, pleasant and gen- 
ial in manner, and gains the friendship and es- 
teem of all his guests. He labors earnestly for 
their happiness, and by the assi.stance of his 
estimable wife places them all at ease. The 
homelike spirit which pervades their place is a 
great attraction not often found in hotel life. The 
house is well arranged and ventilated, is taste- 
fully furnished, the table is supplied with all the 
delicacies of the .season, and everything is carried 
on in a first-class manner. 



In connection with his hotel, Mr. Jude also 
owns a new livery barn, and is doing a good 
business along that line. In 1890, feeling the 
need of an opera-hou.se, he began operations to- 
ward securing one. Purchasing ground to the 
value of $1,000, he began the erection of a hotel 
building and opera-house coml.)ined, and now has 
one of the neatest and most convenient halls in 
this part of the State. It would be an honor to 
many a larger town. It hardly seems possible 
that in a town the size of East Troy the profits of 
the hou.se would make it a paying investment, 
but Mr. Jude made the financial side of the que.s- 
tion a secondary is.sue, for it was his desire to 
give to the public a place for wholesome entertain- 
ments. He is, indeed, a public-.spirited and pro- 
gressive citizen, and he and his wife, who is a 
lady possessed of many excellent characteri.stics, 
have the high regard of all with whom they have 
been brought in contact. They are members of 
the Catholic Church, and, in his political views, 
Mr. Jude is a Democrat. 



JOHN W. MERRILL. 



^OHN W. MERRILL, a real-estate dealer 
I and enterprising business man of Delavan, 
C/ claims Boston, Mass., as the city of his birth. 
His parents, John \V. and Hannah (Brainard) 
Merrill, were both natives of Maine. The pater- 
nal grandfather, Wesley Merrill, was also born in 
the Pine Tree State, and was of English descent, 
tracing his ancestry back to one of three brothers 
who came to America in the "Mayflower," and 
wiih the Pilgrim Fathers landed at Plymouth 
Rock. He .served as a .soldier in the War of 
1812, followed farming throughout his entire life, 
and reared a family of seven children. His death 
occurred in Maine, at the ripe old age of eighty- 



two. The maternal grandfather of our subject, 
John Brainard, was a native of Ireland, and in 
that country followed merchandising. In 1845 
he came to America, locating in Lewiston, Me., 
where his death occurred at the age of seventy 
years. 

The father of our .subject was a trader. During 
the late war he was appointed Second Lieutenant 
of the New York Volunteer Infantrj', but did not 
serve. He took an active part in politics, but 
never sought office. With the Methodist Church 
he held membership, but his wife is a member of 
the Catholic Church. He died in 1S6S, at the age 
of forty-seven years, in Minneapolis, where his 



470 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



wife is still living. They were the parents of 
seven sons, five of whom survive: Kranklin A., 
of Great Falls, Monl.: John VV. of this sketch; 
George \V. and William II., who are al.so living 
in Great Falls; and Andrew T., who makes his 
home in Minneapolis, Minn. 

Mr. Merrill of this sketch was horn in Ho.ston, 
June 5, 1855, and when a child of two years was 
taken by his parents to New Ynrk City, where 
he lived until eleven years of age. There he lie- 
gan his education. About 1866 he went with the 
family to Minncaiiulis, Mhin., where he made his 
home until i.S-S, when he became a resident of 
Ft. Henton, Mont., .sjx-nding eighteen months in 
the West. On the expiration of that period he 
went to Helena, Mont., where a year was ]iassed, 
and in Ihitte he made his home for a time. At 
length he returned to Miinienpnlis, where he en- 
gaged in contracting and building, for he had 
learned that trade at the age of fourteen years, 
and followed it during the greater part of the 



time up lo 1885. In that year he embarked in 
the real-estate business. 

On the 24th of NovemlxT, 1891, Mr. Merrill 
led to the marriage altar Miss Alissia Higelow, 
daughter of Daniel Higelow, of Walworth Coun- 
ty. The lady is a member of the Methodist 
Church, and throughout this community she has 
many warm friends, who esteem her highly for 
her sterling worth. 

Mr. Merrill continued to make his home in 
Mimieapolis until September, 1893, when he came 
to Delaxan. Here he owns a good home and 
other property, and is now doing a good real- 
estate business. In ]»)liiics, he was formerly a 
Democrat, but now votes indejicndent of part> 
affiliations. Although his residence in Delavan 
covers only a .short period, he has already won 
many warm friends, and has the high regard of 
tho.se with whom business and social relations 
have brought him in contact. 



PHRRV C. HARRINGTON. 



r^l'kkV (;. lI.XkRINGTON was for many 
L^ years one of the most prominent and highly 
fS resjx^cted citizens of Walworth County, and 
the sketch of his life well deserves a place in the 
history of this community. He was born in the 
town of Lawrence, Otsego County, N. V., July 
9, 1S12, and was the youngest of a large family 
of children. When (|iiite young he left his native 
State and emigrated lo Michigan. Having learned 
the tinner's trade, he found employment along 
that line, and .soon worked his way inti) the hard- 
ware business at White Pigeon, Mich. 

As a companion and helpmate on life's jonrney, 
Mr. Harrington chose Miss Mary ICldred, of 
White Pigeon, Mich., whowasl)orn Seiitend)er 2. 
i,Si6. Their wedding was celebrated May 12, 



i.S^fi, and the .sanie spring they removed lo Wis- 
consin, locating first in Milwaukee, but after a 
year they came to Walworth County and settled 
on a larm on .section 15. Sugar Creek Township. 
During the remainder of his life, Mr. Harrington 
ga\e his time and attention to agricultural inir- 
suits, and his successful management of affairs 
nindeliini a jirosjierons citizen. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Harrington were born six 
diililnn. Woodbury was the first white child 
born in vSugar Creek Townsliiji, tiie date being 
October I, 18-^,8. He was among the first to re- 
spond to the Country's call for troops on the 
breaking out of the War of the Rebellion, and 
served until its close in the Tenth Wisconsin 1h- 
faiitry. He married Miss Harriet Hldred, and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



471 



now resides in Aberdeen, S. Dak. Marshall died 
at the age of six years, and was laid to rest in 
Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. hUdred, horn October 
23, 1842, was a member of the First Wisconsin 
Heavy Artillery during the late war, and is now 
living in Boone County, Kan. Alice, born April 
21, 1851, is the wife of John Branich, a resident 
of California. Sherman, born Febrnar)- 19, 1853, 
married Miss Sarah Shields, daughter of Henry 
Shields, of vSugar Creek Township. She died 
September 23, 1S92, leaving three children: Ma- 
bel L., ten years of age; Roscoe Commodore, aged 
eight; and Alleyne, a little maiden of seven sum- 
mers. Hobart, the youngest of the family, was 
born Ma}' 12, 1859, and married Miss Ida Shields, 
by whom he has one child. May Mildred, six 
years old. Sherman owns the old home and two 
hundred acres of the farm, which originally com- 
prised five hundred and fifty acres. He and his 
brother Hobart, with their families, reside on the 
old place, where they are extensively engaged in 
farming and stock-raising. The latter is a breeder 
of pure-bloodetl Percheron horses, and at present 
is the owner of one of the most valuable .stallions 
in the State. 

Perrj- G. Harrington was a self-made man, who 



.started out in life without capital, but steadily 
worked his way upward, overcoming the difficul- 
ties and oljstacles in his path, and thus accjuired 
a handsome competence. He was a man of wide 
sj-mpathies, warm-hearted and true, a kind and 
generous neighbor and an affectionate husband 
and father. He was always considerate of the 
welfare of others, and the poor, needy and op- 
pressed received from him help, .sympathy and 
consolation. In politics he took an active part, 
and was what was known as a War Democrat. 
He was the first in the town to raise funds to carry 
on the war, and gave two sons to the service. He 
held many po.sitions of trust in the township and 
county, was Chairman of the Board of Supervisors 
of Sugar Creek Town.ship for several terms, and 
represented his district in the State Legislature in 
1854. He was one of the organizers of the Old 
Settlers' As.sociation, and for some time served as 
its President. His death occurred on the old 
homestead, September 19, 1876. His faithful wife, 
who .shared with him the joys and sorrows of 
life for more than half a century-, sur\'ived him 
only a few weeks, passing away on the 23d of 
October, 1876. Throughout the community their 
loss was mourned. 



ALBERT B. HUNTER. 



GILBERT B. HUNTER, an honored veteran 
I I of the Civil War, who is now successfully 
I I engaged in farming on section 12, East Troy 
Town.ship, claims New York as the State of his 
nativity, his birth having occurred in Montgom- 
ery, Orange County, on the 9th of October, 1845. 
His parents were J. M. and Cecelia (Bull) Hun- 
ter. The father was born in Bloomingburg, Sul- 
li\-an County, N. Y., March 21, 1817, and the 
miither was born November 21, 181 1, in Craw- 
ford, Orange County, N. Y. Throughout his en- 



tire life he followed the occupation of farming. 
Emigrating to the West, he took up his residence 
in Waukesha, Wis., where he li\-ed a retired life 
until 1S69. In that 3'ear he purchased a farm of 
one hundred and ninety-four acres on section 12, 
East Tro3' Township, Walworth County, and 
there resided until his death, which occurred Au- 
gust g, 1889. He l)egan life for himself empt\- 
handed. His mother died at his birth, and he was 
reared l)y his grandfather, J(jhannus Miller, the 
founder of the Montgomery Academy, with whom 



472 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



he remained until sixteen years of age. He then 
went to New York.willi the intention of engaging 
in mercantile pursuits, Itut, his health failing him. 
he emigrateil to Missouri for the purpose of enter- 
ing a Pre.sbyterian College of that State, hut the 
institution was not to his liking. In connection 
with a gentleman from Kentucky, he built a log 
cabin, and lived largely on bread and molas.ses; 
but frontier life proved of benefit to him, and he 
perfectly regained his iiealth. He afterwards re- 
turned to New York, joined his grandmother, and 
was there married, February 6, 1S39. His wife 
came from the old Hull family who lived in the 
town of Hom])tonburg, X. Y. A liou.se still 
stands there which was built by William Ihill in 
1727, and is now occupietl by a member of the 
family. The auce.stors came originally from ling- 
land, and located in the Kmpire State. The 
mother of our subject died November 13, 1S92, 
and was laid b\- the side of her husband in liast 
Troy Cemetery. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hunter were born si.x chil- 
dren. Maria M., born February 1, 1840, died 
in March, 1.S41; Frances, Ixirn March 20, 1S42, 
became the wife of John Iv Duryea, of New York, 
and died .March 20, 1882; David, born April 11, 
1843, was a soldier of the late war, and is now 
living on the old home farm; Henry B., lK)rn 
September 20, 1848, is now the Secretary and 
Treasurer of the Boyd Iron Company, doing bus- 
iness on West Water Street, Milwaukee; Charles 
F., born March 3, 1851, died Februarj- 12, i860. 
During the Civil War David entered the ser\-ice, 
Augu.sl 15, 1862, as a mendier of Company A, 
Twenty-fourth Wiscon.sin Infantry, and was in 
cam]) on Salt River until October, when he was 
tnuisfcrred to the Seventeenth Brigade, Thirty- 
ninth Army Corps. He took part in the battles 
of I'erryville and Crab Orchard, and then return- 
ed to Bowling Oreen, Ky., and advanced to Nash- 
ville. He took part in the battles of Stone River, 
Murfreesboro and of the Atlanta campaign, and 
did duty at Bridgej)ort, Ala., from the 4th of 
July, 1863, until the I fith of August. This was fol- 
lowed by the battles of Chickamauga and Chatta- 
nooga, Mission Ridge and Kno.wille. He was made 
Second Lieutenant of Compaus II, Thirty-fifth 



Wiscon.sin Infantry, afterwards Ixjcanie First Lieu- 
tenant, and later was made Adjutant of the regi- 
meiU. He did duty at Morgan/a Bend, went on the 
e.\iH.-dition to Dcvall's Bluff, Ark., and afterwards 
returned to Mobile, and took part in the siege 
and capture of Spanish Fort and of Ft. Blakeley. 
He later went on transports to Brazos, and 
did duty at Clarksville. Tex.; then he was sta- 
tioned at Brownsville, Tex., where he contiinieil 
until the 5th of Decendjer, 1S65, when, on ac- 
count of physical di.sability, he resigned, and three 
days later was honorably discharged. 

I'nder the parental roof Albert Hunter was 
reared to manhoo<l, and to his father gave the Ijen- 
efil of his .services until after he had attained his 
majority, when he became a.ssociated with his fa- 
ther in business. After the latter 's death he as- 
sumed the entire management and control of the 
home farm, which he operated until the sj)ring of 

1894. 

On the 15th of Novendter, 1S70, Mr. Hunter 
was united in marriage with Miss Jean H. Wil- 
son, daughter of John and Agnes Wilson, of 
Scotland. In 1839 they cro.ssed the briny deep 
to the New World and located in Pennsylvania, 
where they resided until 1846, when they came to 
Wisconsin. Here Mr. Wilson purchased forty 
acres of land and operated the same in connection 
with work at his trade of shoemaking. In his 
family were nine children, five of whom are yet 
living, namely: David, a resident of Ottawa, Wis. ; 
Jean H., the honored wife of Mr Hunter; Mary, 
now the wife of Alonzo Bagley ; William K., of 
Wisconsin; and Agues B., wife of Frank Hood, 
of Genesee, Wis. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hunter 
have been born four children, aiul the family cir- 
cle yet remains unl)roken. Agnes W., born May 
28, 1874, is now attending .schcH)l in Milwaukee; 
Charles F, born Septend)er 23, 1S75, David, born 
September 21, 1877, and Cecelia B., born July 
25, 1880, are all yet at home. 

Mr. Hunter continued his farming operations 
until the spring of 1S94, when he rented his land 
and came to Lake Beul.\h, where he is now en- 
gaged in business as a de.iler in flour, feed, grain 
and lumber. He has but lately eml>arked in this 
enterprise, yet has already built up a fair bu.siness, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



473 



which gives every indication of being constantly 
increased. Through the efforts of himself and 
Frank Fraser, a postoffice was established at this 
place on the 15th of August, 1S92, and he is now 
serving as Postmaster. He has also been School 
Director for several years, and has resolved to give 
his children excellent educational privileges, .so 



that they may be fitted for the practical and re- 
spon.sible duties of life. In politics, he is a sup- 
porter of the Democracy. He comes of one of 
the pioneer families of the county, and din-ing the 
long years of his residence here he has faithfully 
performed his duties of citizenship and taken an 
active part in public interests. 



WILLIAM P. MEACHAM. 



IIIJJAM P. MEACHAM is now engaged 
in general farming on section 25, Tro)- 
Township. He has the honor of being the 
first male child 'born in Walworth County, his 
birth having occurred on the farm which is now 
his home, on the 27th of September, 1836. He 
has witnessed the entire growth and development 
of this .section of the State, and has seen the won- 
derful progress which has wrought a transforma- 
tion little dreamed of in early pioneer days. 
Jes.se Meacham, the paternal grandfather of our 
subject, was the first settler in Troy Township, 
having come here in 1836. He purchased the 
land on which Troy village is built, and with his 
wife, who was ver}- active in early days, hewed 
out a home in the wilderness. U. D. and Pru- 
dence (Geddis) Meacham, the parents of William 
P., were both natives of New York. The father 
was born on the nth of March, 1816, and when 
a lad often summers became a resident of Michi- 
gan. There the succeeding ten years of his life 
were passed, and in 1836 he came to Walworth 
County, Wis., locating on the farm now owned 
by our subject. On the 8th of January, 1836, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Geddis, and in 
a wagon drawn lay oxen the}' made the journey 
to their new home. Their union was blessed 
with three children: William P.; Caroline, who 
was born in February, 1838, and died in Jul}-, 



1865; and Jessie, who was born in 1849, and is 
also decea.sed. 

The father of this family purchased from the 
Government four hundred acres of land, for which 
he paid the usual price of $1.25 per acre. It was 
a wild and unculti\-ated tract, but from early 
morning until the .set of sun he devoted his time 
and attention to its cultivation. In 1844 he re- 
moved from his farm to lilkhorn, where he en- 
gaged in the practice of law for eight years. In 
1852 he went to Freeport, 111., where he again 
opened a law office. His remaining days were 
there passed, his death occurring on the 6th of 
January, 1892. His widow .still survives him 
and is now living with her son. 

William P. Meacham spent the first eight years 
of his life ujion the old homestead farm. He was 
reared nniid the wild scenes of the frontier, and 
went thnnigh all the experiences and hardshijis 
of pioneer life. The greater part of the land was 
in tlie po.sse.ssion of the Government, Indians still 
vi.sited the neighborhood, and wild game of all 
kinds could be had in abundance. The work of 
progress and civilization had scarcely begun, 
and Mr. Meacham was a youth of twelve years 
ere Wisconsin was admitted to the Union. With 
his parents he went to Ivlkhorn in 18.(4, and eight 
years later to Freeport. 

In that place, on the 24tli of August, 1861, our 



474 



PORTRAIT AND lilOCRAPHICAL RECORD. 



subject was united in marriage with Miss Celeste 
Sniitli, daughter of Stephen and Amanda M. 
Smith. Mr. Mcachain afterward married Ivinma 
Young. Her jxarcuts, Jolui and Lucinda Young, 
were Ixith natives of ICngland, and, crossing the 
Atlantic, located in the Ivnipire State, from whence 
they came to W'alwurtli County in 1S39, settling 
in Troy. They had six children, five of whom 
are now living: John, a resident f:\rmer of Troy 
Township; Blanche, wife of Cliarles West, also 
of Troy Township; William H., who is engaged 
in the implement business in Elkhorn; iMuma, 
wife of our subject; ami Daniel, who iiiakes his 
jiome in Mis.sissip]ji. Jennie is deceased. The 
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Meacham has been 
ble.s.sed with two children: Carrie I., born April 
22, 1865; and Herford C, born March 10, 1868. 
Both are still at home. 



In Febniarj', 1865. Mr. Meacham removed 
from Kreeport to the old farm where he has since 
resided. He now owns two hundred acres of rich 
land, and in connection with general farming he 
is .succe-ssfuUy engaged in the dairy business. 
By careful attention to all the details of his busi- 
ness, and by industry and i)erseverance, he has 
become well-to-do, and is now numliered among 
the sul)Stantial citizens of the conununit\-. In 
political sentiment, he is a Democrat. He has 
been School Treasurer for nineteen years, and his 
long-continue<l service well indicates his fidelity 
to duty and the confidence and trust reposed in 
him. He has lived a quiet and uua.ssumiug life, 
yet has the high regard of all with whom busi- 
ness or social relations have bronglit him in con- 
tact. 



JAM1^:S G. lU^IGGS. 



flAMIvS G. BRIGGS, a farmer ofTmy Town- 
I shi]), now living on section 17, is one of the 
Q) wide-awake and progressive citizens of Wal- 
worth County, and has been frequently called up- 
on to serve in jiositions of public trust. He has 
thus Ix'come widely known, and his faithfulness 
has won him luiiversal commendation. Having 
many friends in the county, we feel assured that 
this record will prove of interest to our readers. 

Mr. Briggs is a native of Massachusetts, his 
birth having occurred in Hancock, Berkshire 
County, on the 22(1 of June, 1.S21. His father, 
Benjamin M. Briggs, was born in the old Bay 
State about 1794, and, having attained to mature 
years, he wedded Mary Smith. In 1832, he re- 
moved with his family to New York, where he 
engaged in the manufacture of l)oots and shoes; 
but after a slwirt time he was forced to di^^oontinue 
that business, as his health failed him. I/iler he 



lost his mind, and soon after death released him 
from his snlTering. After some time Mrs. Briggs 
was again married, and came to Wisconsin, her 
husband carrying on a mill on Sugar Creek. 

The gentleman whose name heads this record 
went with his parents to New York, and then 
came witli the faniil\- to the Badger State. He 
aided in building and operating the mill, and 
lived with his mother until thirteen years of age, 
when he started out in life for himself Since 
that time he has made his own way in the world, 
and the success which has attended his efforts is 
therefore well merited. He has met with .some 
hardships and difliculties, but b\- ])ersistent and 
earnest effort has overcome the obstacles in 
his path and steadily worked his way upward. 
As a companion an<l heljiniate on life's journey 
lie ihose Miss So]>liia Dean, whose father was 
a native (»f Mas.s;ichusetts, and a manufac- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



475 



turer of cotton and woolen goods. She was one Board of Supen'isor.s, as Town Clerk, and as 



of a fannly of seven cliiUlreu who grew to mature 
years, while three of the number are yet living. 
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Briggs was cele- 
l^rated on the loth of April, 1848, and was ble.s.sed 
with eiolit children. 



Asses.sor for nine years. He has also been Coun- 
ty Treasurer, and by the prompt and able manner 
in which he discharged his duties he won the ap- 
proval of all concerned. He takes an active in- 
terest in everything pertairiing to the welfare of 



For twenty years our subject has been a member the conmiunity , and his support and co-operation 

of the Masonic fraternity, and has lor.g been a are withheld from no enterprise that is calculated 

supporter of the men and measures of the Repub- to be of public benefit. His home is now on sec- 

lican party. He takes quite an acti\'e part in po- tion 15, Troy Township, where he owns a good 

litical affairs, and has been honored with several farm of eighty acres, 
local offices, haxing served as Chairman of the 



AMOS BAILEY. 



61 MOS BAII^KY, one of the honored pioneeis 
I I of Walworth County, now deceased, for 
f I many years took a prominent part in the 
growth and development of this locality, and the 
history of this community would be incomplete 
without the record of his life. His parents were 
Aquila and Rachel (Barnes) Bailey, and his 
grandparents were Joseph and Margaret (Os- 
born) Bailey, and Gregory and Elizabeth 
(Mitchell) Barnes. He was Ijorn in Avondale, 
Md., June 10, 1802, and died at his home in 
Pacheco, Contra Costa County, Cal., March 15, 
1889. His father died when he was only ten 
years of age, and as there were no free .schools in 
those early daj-s, for the countrj- had not .settled 
into quietness after the Revolution, the mother was 
kept very busy knitting seine at any and all hours to 
earn mone}' to educate the family. Her .son Amos 
was taught by competent and thorough teachers in 
the common branches, but his school years were 
few, as his services were needed in the operation 
of the farm, a beautiful place, the uplands of 
which commanded a view of the grand old 



Chesapeake, upon which the white wings of com- 
merce sped to and fro. 

At the age of .seventeen, Mr. Bailey went to 
Port Deposit, Md., to learn the carpenter's trade 
with his eldest brotlier Lloyd, and there remained 
until twenty-one years of age, when he went to 
New York City, wliere he was employed in a 
.sash and blind factory. During a part of the 
time he boarded with Sanuiel Pray, the father of 
Mrs. Barnej' Williams and Mrs. Billie Florence. 
While there he attended the night school of Vin- 
cent Cropper, arid learned the rudiments of civil 
engineering, geometry-, trigonometry, map-draw- 
ing, lines and specifications. The knowledge 
there gained proved of nuich benefit to him in la- 
ter years. In tho.se early days fancy window- 
.sashes were in much demand, and after a time 
Mr. Bailey determined to improve upon tho.se 
made by his employer, and produced many and 
various designs of his own, purely original, of 
which the artistic arrangement of the cun'es and 
angles made them very popular. While working 
in New York, he had the pleasure of .seeing the 



476 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



grand clenionstratiou in honor of the Revolution- 
ary hero. Gen. La Fayette, and his patriotisni 
wa.s stirred hy tlie .sij;ht of him to whom every 
k)yal American renders grateful homage. Tliis 
was in 1825, Gen. La Fayette's last visit to the 
land which he hel]>ed to liljerate. 

About 1828, Mr. Hailey went to Albany, 
N. v., where he worked at his trade, and while 
there became actiuainted with Miss Sally lk-11, 
daughter of Jo.seph IJell, who for many years was 
a teacher of penmanship in the Albany Female 
Academy. They were married at the home of 
the lady's grandmother, Mrs. Sarah Sanford, 
near Rensselaerville, N. Y., the wedding cere- 
mony being performed by lilder Crocker, on the 
24th of December, 1829. Mrs. Hailey 's mother 
having died when she w^as only eleven months 
old, she had lived the greater part of the time 
with her grandmother, only spending occasional 
periods with her father and stepuujther in Albany. 
Her grandfather, Re.stcome Sanford, was born 
near Newport, R. I., March 3, 1759, and was 
there married, February 18, 1789, to Sarah Cog- 
geshall, who was born in Newjiort, July 25, 
1767. They lived for some time in Newport 
and then removed to Albany County, N. Y. 
Their children -were Thomas, wlio was born in 
Ren.s.selaerville, I)ecend)er 30, 179,^, and died 
August 20, 181 ! ; and Ruth, who was born in the 
same place, December i, 1790, and died May 20, 
181 1. She was married in 1807 lo Jo.se])li IJell. 
Their children were Sanford, wlio was born in 
1808, became a physician, and died in Lcadville, 
Colo., about ten years since, at the home of his 
daughter, Mrs. Jo.sephiue Cooper, wife of Lieut. 
Cooper, of the Illinois Volunteers; and Sallv, 
who was b:)rn June 2(\ 1810, and l)ec.inie the wife 
of Amos Hailey. 

The children of this union areas follows: Maria 
lidgeworth, who was born in Albany, N. Y., A\n\l 
II, 1831, and died in Walworth May 21, 1853; 
Harriet Frisbee, born Febniary 23, 1S33, is a 
writer and artist, now living in I'acheco, Cal. ; 
twin boys, born in Chicago in May, 1836, died 
on the 9th and iith of tliatnu)uth: Leonette. 
lx)rn in Chicago in 1837, died in h'ontana, near 
Geneva Lake, Wis., in August, 1837, the first 



white child to die in that vicinity ; Jeffei'son A., 
born in Fontana, March 9, 1839, is now a farmer 
of Cornwall, Cal. : Leoniejane, born in Rensselaer- 
ville, N. v., March 27, 1841, died in Walworth, 
May 26, 1852; Angelo Ames, born in Fontana, 
Wis., June 25, 1844, is now serving as County 
Clerk of Contra Costa County, Cal., and resides 
in Martinez; Owen, born in Walworth, February 
2, 1849, died March 6, 1870, in Jasper County. 
Mo., where he was serving as co])yist in the office 
of the Register of Deeds; Julius Raphael, born in 
Walworth, Feljruary 15, 1831, is now Superin- 
tendent of the Western Union Telegrai>h oflice 
in San Jose, Cal.; John Howard, born August 
20, 1854, is also in the Western Union Telegra])h 
office in Santa Cruz, Cal. ; and Percy Shelley, born 
November 28, 1856, died May 22, 1858. 

Accompanied by his family and his wife's cousin. 
Ruth Iv Sanford, Mr. Hailey removed to the lit- 
tle town of Chicago, traveling by canal and 
.schooner. After four weeks they reached tlnir 
destination, in June, 1834. In the town there 
were not more than three hundred inhabitants, 
but it grew ipiile rapidly, and soon Mr. Hailey 
was elected County .Surveyor. He had the hon- 
or of laying out the place into city lots, and for 
the first time in his life met with prosperity, but 
three years of suexe.ss were followed by the finan- 
cial crash of 1837, and he left Chicago in July of 
that year to become a resident of Fontana, 
Wis. His log house stood three-fourths of 
a mile west of the old mill owned by Mat- 
thias Mohr, not far from the head of Ge- 
neva Lake. About that time the Ovonet Mill 
Company was formed, with Wiiiiam Hell, John 
Sloan, Henry Clark, Amos Haile>- and James \'an 
Slyke as stockholders, but the venture proved a 
failure. In August, 1844, Mr. Hailey removed 
to his farm on Hig Foot Prairie, and there, in tlie 
old cobblestone house, in 1832 he lost his third 
daughter, Leonie; in 1853 his eldest daughter, 
Maria; in 1S58 his son Shelley; and on the 24111 ol 
October, i860, his wife was called away. In the 
spring of 1866 he had to .sell his farm to pay off 
the mortgage, and bought a smaller tract of land 
a mile we.st of Alden, McIIenry County, III., on 
which he made his home until 1S73, when his 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



477 



sons, Jeff and Angelo, began operating it on 
shares. The former had married Lizzie Brigham, 
of Hebron, in 1872, and the latter wedded Lottie 
Tilibits, of Richmond, III., in 187 1. Julius, the 
third son, was married in the spring of 1873, to 
Janet R. Cuttler, of Alden, 111.; and Howard 
married Mi.ss Margie E. Jones, of Santa Cruz, 
Cal., August 19, 1S81. 

Amos Bailey was a man of genial and sunny 
disjio.sition, fond of company, and made friends 
wherever he went. He possessed more than ordi- 
nary ability, was well informed on the i.ssues of the 
day, and was a thorough Shakespearean student. 



He became one of the first pioneers of Walworth 
County, and was ever interested and active in its 
growth and development, doing all in his power 
to aid in the progress of civilization. He reared 
a large family, the members of which have be- 
come men and women who rank high in business 
and social circles, and exert an influence for good 
in the communities in which they live. Mr. 
Bailey never became a rich man — that was not his 
object in life — but he lived so as to leave to his 
family the priceless heritage of a good name. 
Among the best and most honored citizens of 
Walworth County he deserves mention. 



THOMAS F. WILLIAMS. 



'HOMAS F. WILLIAMS, one of the lead- 
ing and influential citizens of Delavan 
Township, is prominently connected with 
the agricultural and official interests of this com- 
munity. He resides on .section 25, where he has 
a well-ordered home. He was born in the city of 
Albany, N. Y., on the 2d of May, 1837, and is a 
son of Job J. Williams,wlio was born in Newport, 
Wales, April 10, 1798. J. J. Williams during 
his youth bade adieu to his native land and sailed 
for the United States. He was married in 1833 
to Miss Ellen Richard.son, a native of Duanes- 
burg, N. Y. Her father was a soldier in the 
War of 18 1 2, her brother James served in the 
Black Hawk War, and her son James was one of 
the boys in blue of the War of the Rebellion. 

The father of our subject was a mason and 
slater by trade, and engaged in business along 
tho.se lines in New York City and Albany for a 
number of years. He then removed to Duanes- 
burg, where he followed the same business until 
1852, in which year he emigrated westward, tak- 
ing up his residence in Walworth County, Wis. 
He was a man of high moral character, whose life 



was well spent, and in New York and Wiscon- 
sin he had many warm friends who esteemed him 
highly for his .sterling worth. His death resulted 
from an accident, June 4, 1870, and he was buried 
in East Delavan Cemetery. Three children were 
left to mourn his loss: James, who is now resid- 
ing on the old homestead on section 35, Delavan 
Township; Thomas F., of this sketch ; and Mar- 
garet A., wife of Abram Calkins, a resident of 
Chippewa Falls, Wis. 

Thomas F. Williams spent the first fifteen 
years of his life in his native State, and then ac- 
companied his parents on their emigration to 
Wi.sconsin. In 1857, when a young man of 
twenty years, he started out to make his own wav 
in the world, and wliate\er success he has 
achieved in life is due entirely to his own efforts. 
He learned the stone-mason's trade, and has fol- 
lowed it for a portion of each year up to the pres- 
ent time. He has also foUuvi-ed farming in con- 
nection with his other work. His early educa- 
tion, ac(piired in the common .schools, was .sup- 
plemented l)y stud\- in Allen's Grove Academy. 
This was his oidy preparation for liis life work. 



478 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



save that nature had eiidowetl hiiii with an ener- 
getic spirit and a rescjhite purpose to carry for- 
ward to a successful completion wliatcver he un- 
dertook. 

On the 2istof February, iS6i. Mr. Williams 
was married to Miss Cynthia lianies, dau;j;hter of 
Stephen and Emily Harnes. Their union has 
luen hlessed with one child, a daughter, Nellie, 
who is still with her ]iarents. In his political 
views, Mr. Williams is a Rejinblican, having 
Ix^en identified with tli.it party since iS6i. Mis 
fellow-townsmen, appreciating his worth and 
ability, have freipienlly called upon him to .serve 
in positions of public trust, and for fourteen con- 
secutive years he was Justice of the Peace. lie is 
one of the Uoard of Directors of the Geneva Mu 



tual Fire Insurance Company, which position he 
has fdled for seventeen years, and Ijelongs to Olive 
Branch Lodge No. 9, I. O. O. F. , of I)elavan, 
having for twenty years been a member <'f the 
Gran<l Lodge of that fraternity. He also belongs 
to the CMil Settlers' As.sociation. 

Mr. Williams has ever been a public-spirited 
and progressive citizen, withholding his supjKjrt 
from no enterprise calculated to prove of Ixnefit 
to the connnunily. He extends a hel]>iiig hand 
to the poor and needy, and no worthy one seeks 
his aid in vain. He is a warm-hearted and gen- 
erous man, of a genial and kindly disposition, and 
is resj)ected alike by young and old, rich and 
poor. 



J AMI'S II. MOLLIS ri-R. 



3A.\11-;S II. lIOLLISTlvK, who follows gen- 
eral farming on section 24, Delavan Town- 
ship, is one of the worthy citizens thai New 
York has furnished to Walworth County. Many 
resiilents of this connnunily lia\e come from the 
Empire Slate, but none are more worthy of re])- 
resentalion in this volume than our subject. He 
was born in the town of China, Wyoming County, 
X. v.. July 21, 1S31 , and is a .son of Selh L, and 
Catherine (Brigliani) Ilollisler, both natives of 
Massachusetls, the former born in 1792, and the 
latter in I7'X>. In an early day they removed to 
New York, locating in Wyoming County, where 
they resided until the autumn of 1X^3, when they 
came to Wisconsin. The State had not then 
been admitted to the Union, and they were num 
bered among its early .settlers. They took up 
their residence on .section 24, Delavan Township, 
and upon that farm made their home throughout 
their remaining days. In their family were seven 
children: Jane, Laura, Edwin B.. Henry G., 



Mary, James II. and Milton L. Jane was the 
first teacher in tlie East Delavan schools. She 
became the wife of Elihu Eaton, died in i.Si;2, 
and was buried in East Delavan Cemetery, as was 
also lulwin B. Laura became the wife of Harri- 
.son Barnes, and at her death was laid to re.st in 
Wyoming Count\-, N. Y., where Mary, who died 
in childhood, was also buried. Heiuy G. anil 
Milton S. reside in Delavan. The father of this 
family made farming his life occupation. He 
.served throughout the War of i,Si2, and died in 
1868. His wife passed away the following year. 
and they were buried in Ivast Delavan Cemetery. 
Under the parental roof James II. Ilollister was 
reared to manhood, and on attaining his majority 
started out in life for hini.self. His educational 
privileges were those afforded by the connnon 
.schools. In 1843 became to Wisconsin, and for 
ten years he engaged in any labor which he could 
find which would yield him an honest living. 
He chose as a companion and helpmate on life's 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



479 



journey Miss Elizabetli Williams, and on the 3d 
of July, 1853, their marriage was celebrated. 
The lady was born in Duanesburg, N. Y. , Sep- 
tember 19, 1830, and was a daughter of J. J. and 
Dorothy (Wilkinson) Williams. Her father was 
born in Wales, April 10, 1798. Her mother was 
born in England, April 29, 1804, and died in 
New York, November 23, 1833. Mr. Williams 
was afterwards married, July 17, 1S34, to Eleanor 
Richardson, of Charleston, N. Y. His death oc- 
curred June 4, 1870, and his remains were in- 
terred in East Delavau Cemetery. 

Soon after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Hol- 
lister took up their residence upon the farm 
which has since been their home, with the excep- 
tion of one year spent iu Jacksonville, 111. Their 
marriage was ble.ssed with three sons; Job J., 
Samuel J. and William, all of whom were edu- 
cated in Jacksonville, 111. The first-named mar- 
ried Marinda R. Williams, and resides two miles 
east of Delavan. They have one child, a boy 
eight j'ears old. Samuel J., who is living two 
and a-half miles east of Delavau, wedded Agnes 



Boyd, of Waukesha County, Wis., and they have 
three children, all girls. William is still at home 
with his parents. 

Mr. Hollister has always followed farming and 
has been quite successful in his undertakings. 
He now has a neat and beautiful farm of one hun- 
dred and fifty-four and a-half acres, under a high 
state of cultivation, and well improved with good 
buildings and fences. He akso engages in .stock- 
raising, and has upon his place high grades of 
horses, cattle, hogs and sheep. 

The Hollister hou.sehold is the alsode of hospi- 
tality, and the latchstring is always out to the 
many friends of the family. In politics, our sub- 
ject is a Republican, having voted with that 
party since its organization. For many years he 
served as School Director, and did effective serv- 
ice in the interest of education. Socially, he is 
a member of Olive Branch Lodge No. 9, I. O. O. 
P., of Delavan. His life has been a busy and 
useful one, and his sterling worth has gained for 
him high esteem, in which his wife also shares. 



D. BLUMENFELD. 



0BLUMENFELD, the well-known editor and 
proprietor of the Wcltburgcr, published in 
Watertown, was born in the ancient city of 
Cregliugen, in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, Ger- 
many, February 13, 1828. He acquired his edu- 
cation in the public .schools of his native land, and 
in 1841, when a youth of thirteen, he entered a 
printing-office in Stuttgardt, the capital of the 
kingdom of Wurtemberg, where he remained un- 
til February, 1848, when he left that city and 
worked at the case as a journeyman in the cities 
of Neuweide and Du.seldorf, in Schwerin. 

Mr. Blumenfeld was thus employed until June, 
1850, when be bade adieu to friends and Father- 



land and sailed for America, landing at New 
York on the 15th of August. He remained in 
that city and in Philadelphia for a few weeks, and 
in September of the same year came to Wiscon- 
sin, where he has since resided. A few days after 
his arrival he secured employment with Kohl- 
mann Brothers, who intended to publish a German 
paper in Racine, and in October he set the first 
stick of German type that was ever set in that 
place. In April, 1851, he left Racine and ac- 
cepted the position of foreman in the office of the 
Daily Banner and Volksfirund, at Milwaukee, 
published by Morritz & Schoeffler, who were 
well known among all the printers in Germany, 



48c 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



the latter liavinR been for a iiuinber of years the 
first foreinaii and manager of the worUl-re- 
iiowiied printing establishment of IJaron von 
Cotta in Stntgardt. 

In Septenilxrr, 1852, Mr. Hhunenfeld went to 
New York, where he married Miss Nancy Lew- 
ensen, a native of Schwerin, Germany, and in 
Angnst of the following year he removed from 
Milwaukee to Watertown. Seven children were 
l)orn unto them, of whom two are now married. 
Mr. Hliimenfeld was accompanied on his renioval 
to this city by John Kopp. a pressman who 



worked in the same office with him in Schwerin, 
and afterwards in Milwaukee. Here the two 
gentlemen liegan the publication of a Democratic 
Gennan weekly paper, called the Watertown .In- 
zc/ger, issuing their fir.st number on the 27th of 
August, 1853. Our subject has since continued 
in the printing business and since 1859 has IxxMi 
sole jiroprietor of the Watertown Wcllhiitgcr. He 
haslK-en a member of the School Board and of the 
Common Council, and is a wideawake and pro- 
gressive German citizen, in whom the l>est inter- 
ests of the communilN- find a friend. 



JOSEPH M. VA'IKS. 



3OSEPH M. YATES, who is engaged in the 
banking business in .Sharon as a member of 
the firm of Yates & Mansfield, was born on 
the loth of June, 1823, in Montgomery County, 
N. Y., and is a son of Joseph N. and Klida 
( Beeder) Yates. The father was born in Sche- 
nectady, N. Y., July 5, 1782, and spent his boy- 
hootl days in his native city, acquiring his educa- 
tion in the public schools. While residing in 
New York, he was honored with various public 
positions, and for many years was station-keeper 
1)11 the New York & Erie Canal, near Fultonville, 
which at that time was the great thoroughfare of 
the countrj-. Railroads had hardly been thought 
of, or existed only as a dream in the minds of a 
few, .so that the traffic was by way of the canal, 
and the position of station-keeper was therefore 
one of great responsibility and trust. In 1S32 
the father removed to l\rie County, N. Y., and 
purchased a farm of one hundred and fifty acres, 
to the cultivation and imiirovement of which he 
devoted his time and attention until 1844, when 
he .sold out and removed to Warsaw, N. Y., there 
.spending the six succeeding years of his life. He 
then returned to Montgt)niery County, where he 



passed his remaining days. He served as a sol- 
dier in the War of 1812, lieing connected with 
the transjiortation department. The Yates family 
is noted for longevity, ir.any of its representatives 
having attained to quite an advanced age. This 
family was founde<l in England, but the great- 
graiulfalher was born in America. The maternal 
ancestors came from Holland. 

Unto Jo.seph and IClida Yates were twrn five 
.sons and four daughters, and four of the numl)er 
are yet living. Susanna, born June 16, 1816, is 
the wife of A. V. M. Dox, a resident of Wilson, 
N. Y.; Robert J., born May 28, 1S19, is now liv- 
ing near Springville, Erie County, N. Y.; Sarah, 
born April 15, 1821, is the wife of Ferry Hodge, 
and resides with her children in Seneca I'alls, 
N. Y. The children who have passed away are 
Anna, who was born June 4, 1808, and died in 
January, 1883; Rebecca, who was Ijorn Januar>' 
II, iSii, and died February 27, 1891; Abraham 
\'., who was born l''ebruary 22, 1813, and died 
April 5, 1836; and John H., born June 10, 1827, 
and who died December 6, 1892. 

Our subject lived with his parents in Erie 
County, N. Y., until the age of seventeen years, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



481 



when he returned to vSchenectady, N. Y., and 
learned the cabinet-maker's trade. After three 
years spent in that phice, he went to Alban>-, 
N. v., where he secured eni])loyinent in a piano 
factory, with which he was connected for about 
eight years. On the expiration of that period he 
went to Fultonville, N. Y., and engaged with his 
brother-in-law, William B. Wemple, in the 
foundry business, which lie successfully carried 
on for a period of twelve years. He then aban- 
doned that trade and engaged in the paper supply 
business on Beekman Street, New York City, 
where he enjoyed a successful trade for ten years. 
Desiring to settle .somewhere in the growing 
West, on tlie expiration of that period he sold 
out, and in 187 1 came to Sharon, Wis., where 
he embarked in 1875 in the banking business, in 
which he is still actively engaged as a member of 
the firm of Yates & Mansfield. 



Mr. Yates was twice married. He first wed- 
deil Jerusha Putnam, and on the 28th of August, 
1S77, he wedded Ann E. Fowler. Two children 
Vv-ere l)ornof the first union, Elida and Edgar, but 
both died in early childhood. Those of the sec- 
ond marriage are: Netta Y., wife of J. A. W. 
Myers, who resides near Beloit, Wis., and by 
whom she has a daughter, Marion; and Harry 
T., who married Norah Baker, daughter of Judge 
Baker, of Chicago. Mrs. Yates is a member of 
the Episcopal Church, and Mr. Yates is a mem- 
ber of the Masonic fraternity and the Knights of 
Pythias lodge. In politics, he is a supporter of 
the Democracy, but has never .sought or desired 
political preferment. He has been actively en- 
gaged in bu.siness for more than half a century, 
and during all these years has never become fi- 
nancially embarrassed, a fact which well indi- 
cates his business acumen and foresight. 



L. G. ODELL. 



I G. ODELL, who is now living a retired life 
It in Dela\an, was born on the 23d of Decem- 
L/ ber, 1840, in the city of Elmira, N. Y. His 
parents were John and Betsy (Brighton) Odell, 
the latter of whom was of Iri.sh lineage. They were 
married in Elmira in 1836. Three .sons were 
born to them, and when the Civil War broke out 
they aided in the defense of the Union. Robert, 
who became a member of the Third Wiscon.sin 
Cavalry, died at Ft. Scott, Kan., in 1863. Eugene 
D., who enlisted early in 1861, as a member of 
the Thirty-sixth Illinois Infantry, and served 
throughout the war, is now living in New Rich- 
mond, Wis. 

L. G. Odell started out in life for himself at the 
early age of fourteen years, and has since made 
his own way in the world. He was a child of 
only seven years when, with his parents, he came 



to Wisconsin, the family locating in the town of 
Richmond, Walworth County. His first inde- 
pendent effort in life was as a farm hand, in which 
capacity he was employed for two years, after 
which he went to Waukesha County, where he 
learned the cooper's trade, following the same 
until i860. In that year we find him in Manistee, 
Mich., where he was employed in a sawmill until 
after the breaking out of the war. He had 
watched with interest the progress of events prior 
to that struggle, and when the Southern States 
attempted to withdraw from the Union, he resolved 
to strike a blow in defense of his countr>-. In 
June of that year, he went to Chicago, and joined 
the boys in blue of the Thirty-seventh Illinois 
Infantry, with which he served until October, 
1863, when he became di.sabled, was discharged, 
and sent home. 



482 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



On recovering his health, our subject again en- 
listed, l)cconnng a member of the Thirtieth Wis- 
consin Infantry, on the 19th of March, 1864. 
From that time until the close of the war he was 
at the front. He took part in the battles of Pea 
l<i(l>;e, Prairie Grove, the siege of \'ickshurg, 
the siege of Petersburg, and all the engagements 
around Richmond. During his la.st term he saw 
much arduous .service. During the cjiarge on 
Petersburg his clothes were many limes pierced 
with bullets, but fortunately he escaped severe 
injur\'. In August, 18^15, he was honorably dis- 
charged, and al once returned to Delavan. 

Mr. Odell for a short time made his home at 
River Palls, and then removed to Hurliugtou, 
Iowa, whence lie went to Plattsmouth, Neb., 
and entered the employ of the Burlington & Mis- 
souri Railroad Comiiany. After the comjiletion 
of the road to Ft. Kearney, lie returned to Platts- 
mouth, and began work as a mechanic in the rail- 
road shops, being thus employed until January, 
1S72, when we again find him in Delavan. Here 
he secured employment on a farm. 

Oil the nth of December, 1873, Mr. Odell was 
united in marriage with Mrs. Alvina Parks, 
daughter of Menzo and Margaret (De Rema) 
Howe. Her jiarents were horn and reared in 



Schoharie County, N. Y., and were married in 
Wisconsin, July 3, 1845. To them were born 
six children; Ann H., now the wife of David 
Hilton, a resident of Harvard, 111.; Alvina, wife 
of our subject; Clara, wife of Henry J. Davis, a 
resident of the town of Darien: and I)ell>ert, Al- 
IxTt ami Alfred, deceased. Mr. Howe came to the 
Territory of Wi.sconsin in 1842. He .spent alxjut 
eighteen years in Green County, and during the 
remainder of a lialf-century lived in Walworth 
County, where his death occurred on the 7th of 
August, 1892. His wife pa.s-scd away January i. 
1S94, and was laid by liis side in Spring Grove 
Cemetery. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Odell have been Ixirn four 
children, Clarke, Florence H., Hattie M. and 
Pearlie, who are now being educated in the Del- 
avan High School. Our sulyect has recently 
erected a coniiuodious and plea.sant home in Del- 
avan, where he is now .spending his declining 
years in the enjoyment of the rest which he has 
.so truly earned and richly deserves. He is one of 
the indu.strious and honored citizens of this place, 
and has many warm friends. He l)elongs to the 
Baptist Church and the Grand Army of the Re- 
public, and his army record is one of which he 
may well be proud. 



WILLIAM C. GOETZE. 



1 1 I.I.I AM C. GOICTZH, a druggist and 
])liarmacist of Genoa Junction, began busi- 
ness along this line in Septemljer, 1887, 
and has ever since devoted his time and energies 
to the same. He began operations on a small 
.scale, but has steadily increased liis facilities to 
meet the growing trade, and is now enjoying a 
liberal iiatronage. His store is neat :uid well ap- 
pt)inted, and supplied with everjlhing found in a 
first-class establishment of the kind. 



Mr. Goetze was born in Wheeling, W. V'a. , May 
10, 1.S61, and is one of a family of nine children, 
who.se parents were William and Christina (Otto) 
Goetze, natives of Germany. The paternal grand- 
fatiier, Charles Goetze, was a farmer by occupa- 
tion, and died in Wheeling, W. Va., in 1892, at 
the advanced age of ninety-two years. In his 
family were four sons and a daughter. The ma- 
ternal grandfather, who followed the trade of car- 
pentering, also spent his last days in Wheeling, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



483 



and was called to the home beyond about 1879. 
William Goetze made shoemakiug his business 
in earlj' life. For many years he lived in Wheel- 
ing, W. Va., but in 1 886 came to Genoa Junction, 
where his death occurred in March, 1887, at the 
age of fifty-three years. His wife still surviv^es 
him. He had four brothers who were soldiers of 
the Civil War: August, Charles, Henry and Har- 
mon. The last-named is now deceased. Of the 
two sons and seven daughters born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Goetze, five are yet living: Charles R., who 
is engaged in the drug business in Wheeling; 
William C. of this sketch; Mary, wife of John 
Taylor, of Kenosha; and Christina and Lillie, who 
reside in Genoa Junction. 

In his native city our subject was reared 
and educated, and during his early years he 
worked in a rolling-mill, engaged in nail-making, 
for four j-ears. He began that work when a lad 
of twelve summers. At the age of sixteen he se- 
cured a position in a wholesale drug store, where 
he was employed for seven years, and on the ex- 
piration of that period he went to Newport, Ky., 



where he worked in a drug store for a year and 
a-half. Returning to Wheeling, he was then in 
business with his brother, Charles R., who is a 
graduate of the Pittsburgh College of Pharmacy. 
Mr. Goetze of this sketch, on leaving his brother, 
also entered the Pitt.slnirgh College of Pharmacy, 
and was graduated from that institution in 1886. 
A year later he came to Genoa Junction to .settle 
up his father's estate, and in September, 1887, 
embarked in his present line of business. 

On the 1 2th of March, 1887, our subject was 
united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Ochsen- 
kuhn, and to them have been born two children, 
Edna and Raymond. Mr. Goetze is a member of 
the German Lutheran Church, and his wife be- 
longs to the Catholic Church. In his political 
views, he is a Republican, and has held the office 
of Treasurer of Bloomfield Township. Socially, 
he is connected with the Odd Fellows' Society, 
He has a good home and fine business in Genoa 
Junction, where he is regarded as one of the 
wide-awake and progressive citizens. 



GEORGE MEADOWS. 



MEORGE MEADOWS, one of the highly re- 
|_l spected citizens of East Tro}', now living a 
\^ retired life, claims New York as the State of 
his nativity. He was born in Oneida County on 
the 1 3th of October, 1842, and is a son of William 
and Elizabeth Meadows, a sketch of whom ap- 
pears elsewhere in this volume. The first seven 
years of his life were pas.sed in his native county, 
after which he accompanied his parents on their 
emigration to the We.st, the family settling in 
Walworth County. He was reared on a farm, 
and gave his time and attention to agricultural 
pursuits until his marriage. 



On the 26th of April, 1866, Mr. Meadows was 
joined in wedlock with Miss Elizabeth Holden, 
daughter of Simeon and Jane (Seville) Holden, 
who were natives of Royton, Lancashire, England. 
Mrs. Holden before her marriage to Mr. Holden 
had been the widow of Richard Berrj'. Three 
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Meadows, all 
of whom are still living: Mary J., wife of George 
Porter, a resident of Whitewater, Wis., Jennie 
E. and Frank H. The mother of this family has 
been a resident of Walworth County since 1855, 
when, with the family, she located in Sugar Creek 
Township. Her father crossed the Atlantic Ocean 



484 



PORTRAIT AI^D BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



thirteen times, and she has crossed it three times. 
She was boni on the 19th of January, 1840, and 
after her mother's death, which occurred when 
Mrs. Meadows was only six weeks old, she was 
reared by her nur.se. Her father married for his 
second wife Mrs. Archer, the widow of Marma- 
duke Archer. Mrs. Archer had by her first hus- 
band one child. 

Mr. Meadows has lH.*en a resident of Kast Troy 
village since 1872, in which year he came to the 
place and, in connection with his Ijrother Will- 
iam, embarked in the hardw.-ire business, which 
he carried on until 1884, since which lime he has 



lived a retired life. He now owns some farmland 
in North and South Dakota, l>esides his fine home 
in Troy. The residence of Mr. and Mrs. Meadows 
is a model of neatness and comfort, and is the 
abode of hospital it \. They have a host of wann 
friends in the connnunity, all of whom hold them 
in hij;h regard. In i)olilics, Mr. Meadows is a 
Rejniblican, but has never lieen an office-seeker. 
In his business dealings he has met with good 
success, and has thereby acquired a comfortable 
competence, which enables him to live retired, 
resting in theeujo\ inent of the fruits of his former 
toil. 



IIIKA.M A. lAALOR. 



HIR.AM A. T.WLOR, who is now living a 
retired life in Ivast Troy, was born in Aure- 
lius, Cayuga County, N. V., on the the 13th 
of June, 1817. His parents were Joel and Polly 
(Root) Taylor, natives of Connecticut and New 
York, respectively. The paternal grandfather, 
Josiah Taylor, was a Revolutionary .soldier, and 
made farming his life work. He, too, was born 
in the Nutmeg State, and was of English descent. 
Joel Taylor became an agriculturist, and, in con- 
nection with his farm work, he ran one of the first 
boats on the Erie Canal. His death occurred in 
New York, on the 30th of June, 1S30, at tlie age 
of aliout fifty years. His wife survived him until 
April 4, 1844, and passed away at the age of fifty- 
seven. She held member.ship with the -Presby- 
terian Church. In the family of this worthy 
couple were nine children, six .sons and three 
daughters, of whom seven are yet living. Charles 
L. , a resident of Waujiaca County, Wis., wasboni 
Jatuiary 21, 1806; Garrison, born August 10, 
1808, resides in New York; John R., born March 
28, 1813, is living in Washington County, Wis.; 
Hiram A., born June 13, 1S17, makes his home 



in I^ast Troy; Mrs. Alzina Meadows and Mrs. 
Almina Coleman were born, November 12, 1819; 
William C, of AUegati County, Mich., was born 
October 28, 1826; Leonard W.. who was born 
September 26, 1804, died July 6, 1S30; and Sarah 
Ann Eliza, who was born Jatuiary 3, 1812, died 
about 1S28. 

Hiram A. Taylor spent the da>s of his boyhood 
and youth in the ICiupire State, worked upon the 
canal, followed coo])ering, and for three years en- 
gaged in blacksmithing. Thus was his time passed 
in the Kast. In 1.S44 he came to Walworth 
County, in the Territory of Wisconsin ( for the 
State had not then been admitted to the rnion), 
and located on .section 12, Troy Town.shii>. lie 
there purchased a farm of eighty acres, and also 
bought a tract of f<jrty acres on section i. With 
characteristic energy he began its development, 
and continued its cultixation until the autmini of 
1858. 

In the mean Time Mr. Taylor was married. On 
the I St of October, 1S51. he wedded Mrs. P'sther 
Wright, widow of ICrastus 15. Wright, and a 
daughter of Stei)hen Knapp. Her death occurred 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



485 



December 7, i860, and 011 the igtli of February, 
1862, Mr. Taj-lor was again married, his second 
union being with Miss Mary L. Burgit, daughter 
of John R. and Achsah (Gardner) Burgit, natives 
of New York. She was born in the Empire State, 
May 18, 1838, and when a little maiden of five 
summers came to Wisconsin. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Taj-lor are members of the 
Congregational Church', in which he is now serv- 
ing as Trustee, Clerk and Treasurer. He has also 
served for a number of years as Superintendent of 
the Sunday-school, and in church and benevolent 
work he takes an active and conunendable inter- 
est. In politics, he supports the men and meas- 



ures of the Republican party. He is now agent 
for the Troy & East Troy Farmers' Mutual Fire 
Insurance Company. He formerly owned a fine 
farm in East Troy Town.ship, under a high state 
of cultivation, and thereon made his home until 
1885, when he removed to the village of East 
Troy, where he has since lived. He has been a 
resident of the county for a half-century, has seen 
its growth and upbuilding, and has ever borne 
his part in the work of development and progre.ss. 
The best interests of the community find in him a 
friend, and he is numbered among the valued 
citizens and honored pioneers. 



HON. GEORGE A. RAY 



HON. GEORGE A. RAY, deceased, a prom- 
inent and influential citizen of Whitewater, 
was born in Delaware County, N. Y., April 
23, 1819. He was the eighth child of Martin 
and Caroline (Phelps) Hay, in a family of eleven 
children born to them. Martin Ra}- was born 
Maj- 3, 1779, and Caroline Phelps, October 18, 
1 78 1. They were married in New York, May 
8, 1803. Three of the sons of Martin Ra}-, 
Adam E., Henrj- M. and George A., came to Wis- 
con.sin while it was a territory, and remained in 
the State until their deaths. 

George A. Raj- began life for himself at the 
age of seventeen, .setting out with a capital of $5 of 
borrowed money, but with no limit to his energy 
and honest ambition to succeed in life, and .succeed 
honestl}-. He reached Milwaukee in September, 
1837, and helped to break up land where the 
heart of the city now is. He took up Govern- 
ment land near Mukwonago, but some time after 
located in Walworth Countj', where he lived for 
more than half a century. 

Mr. Raj- was united in marriage with Miss Fan- 



ny Wicker, daughter of Jonah and Fanii)- ( Comp- 
ton) Wicker, October 31, 1844. Mrs. Ray was 
born in Vermont, March 31, 1S26, and to her 
and her hu.sband were born five children. The 
eldest, Mary, wife of W. R. Taylor, died De- 
cember 5, 1878, leaving five children: Ray W. , 
Homer S., Fanny, AHce and Howard. The 
others are Frank, Mrs A. R. Cooke, James and 
Mrs. Maggie Robyne. James W. Ray, an influ- 
ential citizen of Butler County, Iowa, was born 
Februarj' 20, 1848, and married Charlotte Wicker 
May 17, 1870. They have four children: Fred 
W., Jessie, Frank and George A. One daughter 
died in infanc}-. Ada Raj- was born Novem- 
ber 27, 1849, and married Wilkes A. Cooke 
September 26, 187 1. Mr. Cooke died in Texas 
August 19, 1878. They had one child, Frank 
Ray Cooke. Mrs. Cooke has taught in the State 
Normal School at Whitewater for the la.st sixteen 
jears. Her long retention in this position is a 
happy commentary upon her success, and upon 
the esteem in which she is held as an instructor. 
Frank P. Ray was born February' 21, 1854, and 



486 



PORTRAIT AND lilOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



married Lizzie O'Neil December 19, 1877. They 
have one son, Willie H. Frank P. has been 
Collector for the Chicago, Milwaukee &. St. Paul 
Railroad for several years. Margaret Ray was 
lx)rn April 20, 1856, and was married April 9, 
1879. She has three children: Mar)-, Harry 
and Fanny. The family has lived in Port- 
land, Ore., since 1881, where the father has been 
connected with the educational work of the city. 
It was in Xovcmher, 1S70, that Mr. Ray, the 
subject of this sketch, movetl to Whitewater. Me 
was recognized as a helpful, influential citizen, 
and held many offices of trust, having l)ecn for a 
long term of years Chairman of the Board of Su- 
l>ervisors in La Grange, and in 186S he reprcscnt- 
etl his district in the Legislature. His business un- 
dertakings were uniformly successful and he ear- 
ly .ac(iuire<l a competence; but it was never said of 
him that he jx)s.sessed a dollar that was not right- 
fully his. No mortgage did he ever foreclose, no 
debtor ever oppress He tfxilc delight in so 



dealing with others that they would lie benefited 
as well as himself, and that he accomplished this 
puqiose is evident from the fact that he had no 
better friends than among those who had had bus- 
iness relations with him. He was a man of earnest 
convictions and outspoken opinions. He always 
took a strong interest in political matters, and 
voted at every general election after l)econiing of 
age. The last time he left his home was to ride 
to the polls on the Hth of November, 1892, and 
cast a vote for Harri.son, Spooner, and their asso- 
ciates on the ticket. 

He was a man who was always highly respect- 
ed by all who knew him, being honest, upright 
and clean in every way. He was a successful 
business man, but his greatest satisfaction in life 
was the fact that he had lived to see his five chil- 
dren grow to be honorable, intelligent and re- 
.spcctable men and women. His death (X'curred 
F'ebruary 23, 1893. 



JOHN i\. WHSTPHALL. 



n<'IIN N. WF.STPHALL, one of the self- 
I made men and honored citizens of Whitcwa- 
V2/ ler Townshii), Walworth County, now fol- 
lowing general farming on section 15, waslxjrn on 
the 25th of September, 182 1, in Springfield, 
Portage County, Ohio. His parents were J. N. 
H. and Relief (Hartwell) Westphnll. The father 
was born in Hamburg, Germany, on the 17th of 
May, 1789, and the mother's birth occurred in 
New Hampshire, on the 22d of March, 1791. 
Their marriage was celebrated in New York, 
November 18, i.Sio. Mr. We.st])hall was a shoe- 
maker by trade, and followed that pursuit during 
the greater part of his life. In 1S15, he removed 
to Ashtabula County, Ohio, where he .spent his 
remaining <lays, being calletl l<> the home beyond 



on the 29111 of May, 1847. He .served as a sol- 
dier in the War of 1S12, and, though he took no 
prominent [>ar{ in public affairs, he lived an hon- 
orable, upright life, and won the respect and con- 
fidence of all with whom he was brought in con- 
tact. 

Nine children gracetl the union of Mr. and 
Mrs. Westphall: Deidrich, who was lK>rn May 
27, iSii; Mrs. Melinda Heathman, a resident of 
Ohio; Delinda, who was twice married, her sec- 
ond hu.sband being Samuel Taylor, a resident of 
Michigan; Henry C, a coo^K-r living in Hebron, 
Jefferson County, Wis. ; John N. of this sketch; 
vSilas, who died February 23, 1S33; Marcia, who 
died in infancy; and Mrs. Marcia A. Tryan, who 
died in Michigan, October 13, 1876. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



487 



The gentleman whose name heads this record 
spent the days of his boyliood and youth under 
the parental roof, remaining at home until twentj- 
four years of age, when he began learning the 
cooper's trade. On the ist of September, 1844, 
he bade adieu to the Buckeye State, and removed 
to Rock County, Wis., where he engaged in coop- 
ering until 1845. He then came to Whitewa- 
ter, where for a short time he engaged in the 
same line of business. His next work was as a 
brick-molder, and from the wages received for his 
work he saved enough money to purchase a small 
tract of land. This was in 1853, and upon it he 
lived for three 3ears, when, in 1856, he bought his 
present farm on section 15, Whitewater Town- 
ship. 

On the 1 8th of November, 1846, Mr. Westphall 
led to the marriage altar Miss Lucinda Paft, 
daughter of Samuel and Rachel Paft, who were 
natives of New York, and in an early day came 
to the West. They are both now deceased, and 
were laid to rest in Whitewater Cemeterj-. 
The union of our subject and his wife has been 
blessed with nine children, seven of whom are j-et 
living: Mrs. Amy R. Coolej-, born January 24, 
1847; Mrs. Ella Orton, born January 28, 1850; 
George H., who was born June 15, 1852, and is 
now a music teacher of Montana; Charles D., 



born April i, 1858; Mrs. Emily A. Lasher, who 
was born March 10, 1861, and is now living in 
Waterloo, Wis.; John F., who was born June 25, 
1867, and is now living in McHenry County; 
and Florence E., who was born June 8, 1875, 
and is .still with her parents. Alma, who was 
born Augu.st 21, 1864, died on the nth of May, 
1881. 

Since 1856, Mr. Westphall has carried on gen- 
eral farming on section 15, Whitewater Town.ship, 
and to a limited extent has also worked at 
coopering and brick-molding. He is a .self-edu- 
cated and self-made man. His father, who was a 
school teacher, would give him lessons while he 
was working at the shoe-bench, but otherwise 
his educational advantages were very meagre. 
He has met many difficulties and obstacles in 
his path, yet these have not seemed to deter him 
in his work, but have sensed as an impetus to re- 
newed effort. He has steadily worked his way 
upward until he has attained a position among 
the substantial agriculturists of his adopted coun- 
ty. Although he is now seventy-three years of 
age, he .still pos.sesses the vigor of a man in the 
prime of life. For four years he has .served as 
Justice of the Peace, and since 1857 has filled the 
office of School Clerk. He votes with the Re- 
publican party. 



OSCAR T. HAMILTON. 



0SCAR T. HAMILTON, who is .ser\ing as 
Ju.stice of the I'cace in Whitewater, but has 
retired from active business life, claims New 
York as the .state of his nativity, his birth having 
occurred in Tompkins Count}', on the 4th of 
Maj', 1830. He comes of an old New York 
family. His father. Dr. Thomas Hamilton, was 
also born in the Empire State, and for niany years 
engaged in practice in Rochester, N. Y., where 



he had a water-cure establishment, a large in.sti- 
tution. His death occurred in Rochester, in 
October, 1884, at an advanced age. He married 
Miss Sarah Armstrong, who was also born in the 
Empire State, and who was called to her final rest 
in December, 1872. Their family numbered two 
children, Mrs. Jonathan M. Williams, and Oscar 
T. of this sketch. 

We now take up the personal history of the 



4^8 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



gentleman whose name heads this record. In 
the county of his nativity he was educated, 
attending first the public schools, while later he 
pursued his studies in an academy at Grotou, 
Tompkins County, N. Y. He then embarked in 
teaching schfiol and also in farm wi)rk, following 
the former throughout the winter season, while 
in the summer months he engaged in labor in the 
fields. At length he determined to seek a home 
in the West, hoping thereby to benefit his finan- 
cial condition. It was in 183.^ that he came to 
Walworth County, and located upon a farm near 
Whitewater, where he successfully carried on 
agricultural ])ursuits for about thirty years. His 
land he placed under a high state of culli\atiou, 
and upon the farm he made giK)d improvements, 
which stand as monuments to his thrift and enter- 
prise. In 1882, however, he laid aside business 
cares and removed to Wliitewater, where he is 
now resting in the fruits of his former toil. 

As a companion and heliimeet on life's journey, 
Mr. Hamilton chose Miss Sarah L. Steele, and 



on the 4th of March, 1856. they were united in 
marriage. The lady is a daughter of Samuel 
Steele. Their union has been blessed with four 
children: Klla A., Herliert O., and two who 
died in early childhood. Klla A. is a gradu- 
ate of the Normal .School, of Whitewater, and is 
a teacher of marked ai)ility. .\l this writing she 
occupies a responsil)le position in Mein]diis, 
Tenu. 

Mr. Hamilton is a member of the Ancient 
Oriler of United Workmen, and in religious be- 
lief he is a Methodist. He exercises his right of 
franchise in .sujjport of the Republican party, and 
has been elected to some local offices. For four 
years he served as School Commissioner, and 
since 1890 has filled the office of Justice of the 
Peace. His rulings are always wise and just, 
the result of careful deliberation. His life has al- 
ways l)een a straightforward and honorable one, 
and the many excellencies of his character have 
gained for him the confidence and good-will of all 
with whom he lias been Ijrought in contact. 



\)\<. \\K\\<\ 



IMI-RC 1{ lAllK. 



0K. HKNKV PIh:i<CK FAIIR, who is en- 
gaged in the practice of dentistry in Dela- 
\an, is pleasantly located in a comfortable 
office, and from the public receives a liberal ]>at- 
ronage, which is well merited by his skill and 
ability. He was born in Centre Comity, Pa., on 
the loth of November, 1852, and is a son of Ilen- 
janiin and Amelia (Sencabaugh) Fahr. His 
paternal grandfather died in Penn.sylvaiiia, at 
the age of .seventy-nine, having reare<l a large 
family. The maternal graiulfallier, Frederick 
Sencabaugh, was a native of Germany, and 011 
crossing the Atlantic located in the Keystone 
State, where his death occurred at the age of nine- 
ty-six. 



The father of our subject was a Penns\lvania 
farmer, and lived in the Ka.st until 1S59, when, 
willi his faiiiil)', he emigrated to Rock Grove, 111. 
Since that lime he has been engaged in farming 
and stock-raising in Stephen.son County. He is 
a inenil)er of tlie Untheran Church, to which his 
wife also belonged. She was called to her final 
rest in 1863. This worthy couple were the par- 
ents of thirteen children, eight .sons and five 
daughters, eleven of whom are yet living: Mary, 
widow of Solomon Fisher, and a resident of 
Stephenson Conntv, 111.; Sarah, of Rock ford. 111.; 
Abs:doni, who is living in Stephen.son County; 
h'rank, who makes his home in Freeport, III.; 
Amanda, wife of Charles Cadwell, of Freeport; 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



489 



Henry P., of this sketch; John Frederick, who 
is located in Orangeville, 111.; Albert, of Clinton, 
Iowa; Oscar, a resident of Bristow, Iowa; Benja- 
min, of Rock Grove, 111.; and Alice, wife of 
PVank Miller, of Jewell, Kan. 

Dr. Fahr was only a child of about five sum- 
mers when his parents came to the West. In 
Stephenson County, III., in the u.sual manner of 
fanner lads, he grew to manhood, and in the dis- 
trict .schools his literar}- education was acquired. 
In his j'outh he learned the trade of a brick-ma.son, 
and followed the same for three years, but, not 
content to make it his life work, he entered upon 
the study of dentistry in the office of Dr. Dorn, of 
Naperville. He began the practice in Orange- 
ville, 111., where he continued for about four 
years, after which he spent six years in Geneva, 
Wis. On the expiration of that period he entered 
the Chicago Dental College, and a few j-ears later 



took the post-graduate course. In 1887, he 
came to Delavan, Wis., where he has been en- 
gaged in practice continuously since. 

On the 2 1 St of May, 1878, was celebrated the 
marriage of Dr. Fahr and Miss EHzabeh Runkle, 
daughter of Hugh and Hannah (Fj^e) Runkle. 
To them has been born a son, Clarence E. In 
politics, the Doctor is a Democrat, and in 
religious belief his wife is a Congregation alist. 
Socially, he is connected with the Odd Fellows' 
and Knights of Pythias fraternities, and also be- 
longs to the Post-Graduate Society of Dentistry 
of the United States. He keeps abreast with 
the times in everything connected with the pro- 
fession, and his skill has won him a large and 
lucrative practice. In social circles he and his 
estimable wife hold an enviable position, and their 
friends in this community are many. 



JERRY DORR. 



^ERRY DORR owns one of the best improved 
I farms of Whitewater Township. His home 
y~) is located on .section 24, and in connection 
with agricidtnral pursuits he successfully carries 
on the dairj- business. He was born in Ireland, 
April 20, 1830, and is a .son of Timothy Dorr, 
who was also a native of the Emerald Lsle. His 
school privileges were limited, for at the earl}- age 
of fifteen he started out in life for hini.self. With 
his parents he crossed the Atlantic to America 
and began work in a grocery- store in Boston, re- 
ceiving for his .services $10 per month. He was 
employed for more than a year in that way, dur- 
ing which time he gave the greater part of his 
wages to his parents, to aid them in the care and 
support of the family. The year 1S49 witnessed 
his arrival in Wisconsin, where for some time he 
had charge of a .stoneware kiln. In that way he 



acquired some capital, which he invested in land, 
becoming owner of one hundred and twenty acres 
in Richland County. He afterward traded that 
for forty acres on .section 24, Whitewater Town- 
ship, Walworth Count}-, and then came to the farm 
which has since been his home. For a time he 
kept "bachelor's hall," and was then married. 

On the 27th of September, 1S58, Mr. Dorr was 
united in marriage with Miss Ann Kinney, daugh- 
ter of Patrick and Bridget (Carrig) Kiimey, na- 
tives of Ireland. In an early daj' they crossed 
the briu}- deep to the New World and took up 
their residence in \'ermont, where they .spent 
about six years. The)- afterward lived for three 
years in St. Catherines, Canada, and on the ex- 
piration of that period came to Whitewater, Wis., 
where their remaining days were pa.ssed. The 
father died about 1S49, and the mother passed 



490 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



away in 1864. In the Kinney family were eleven 
cliiltlrcn, six of whom j;rew tu mature years, while 
four are yet living, namely: John, a resident of 
New Jersey: Michael, who now makes his home 
ill Minnesota: Timothy, a railwaj' engineer, who 
is living in St. Paul, Miini.; and Ann, who was 
l)orn in i<S44, and is now the wife of our sul>- 
jeet. 

Mr. and Mrs. Dorr hegan their domestic life 
upon the farm which has since heen their home. 
In 1S60 he erected a house of four rooms, in which 
they continued to re.side until 1S84, when that 
early dwelling was replaced by a commodious 
two-story residence, one of the most jileasaut 
dwellings in this section of the county. It is 
situated in the midst of a fine farm of two hun- 
dred and eighty acres, on sections 24 and 25. 
This home has been bles.sed bj- the presence of 
twelve children. John, born Novendx-r 29, 1S59, 
is now engaged in carpentering and building in 
Milwaukee; Patrick H., born March i, 1861, is 
employed as a collector in Milwaukee; Bee, 
l)()rn May 20, 1S63, is the wife of l-' red Philliiijis, 
a resident of Beloit, Wis.; William H., born Au- 
gust I, 1865, now aids in the operation of the 
home farm; Mary Ann, born July t,, 1867, is 



living with her .sister in Beloit; Celia, born Jan- 
uary 4, 1870, makes her home in Whitewater; 
George, lx)rn April 19, 1873, is engageil in the 
manufacture of cheese in Walworth County; Tim- 
othy, born July lo, 1877, is at home; Agnes, 
born June 22, 1879, is attending sc1kx)1 in White 
water; Kmma, born Ajiril 24, 1881, is still under 
the jiarental roof; and I'rancis A., born Ai)ril 4, 
18S4, completes the family. 

The parents and their children are all mem- 
bers of the Catholic Church, and the representa- 
tives of the Dorr household are well and favora- 
bly known in this community. Mr. Dorr votes 
with the Rejmblican parly, but has never .sought 
or desired public office, preferring to give his en- 
tire time and attention to his business interests, 
in which he has met with good success. In con- 
nection with general farming he is engaged in the 
dairy business, and this enterprise adds materi- 
ally to his income. The many improvements 
upon his farm were all placed there by himself 
and stand as monuments to his thrift and enter- 
prise. He is justly mnnl)ered among the sub- 
.stanlial and i)n>mincnt farmers of Whitewater 
Township. 



LEWIS T. ruSTER 



I IvWIS T. POSTIvR is one of the popular 
I C and highly respected citizens of Elkhorn, 
v'j now serving asSheriff of Walworth Count> . 
He was born in April, 1S46, in Georgia, and is a 
son of Sidney and luiretta (Terrell) l-'oster, who 
were natives of New York. The father was a 
farmer by occupation, and removed with his fam- 
ily to Georgia in the hope of benefiting his health. 
He there died in Peliruary, 1847, l)efore our sub- 
ject was a year old. The mother then relumed 
with her children lo New York, locating in Syra- 



cu.se. The Fo.ster family is an old and honored 
one of the Ivmpire Slate, having Ix-en there found- 
ed in Colonial days. Our subject is the youngest 
of three children. HoUis is now living in Syra- 
cuse, N. v.. and IvOrena (Mrs. Richmond) makes 
her home in Huffalo, N. Y. 

Lewis Foster .spent the daj-s of his boyhood and 
youth in Syracuse, N. Y., and the public schools 
afforded him his educational i)rivileges. Having 
come to Ihe West, he was living in Michigan at 
the time of the breaking out of the late war, and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



491 



in August, 1861, he responded to the country's 
call for troops, becoming a member of Company 
C, First Michigan Cavalry. He did service most- 
ly in Virginia, and was the first of six men to 
pass up the Shenandoah. A woman in charge of 
the toll-gate called them "flat-footed Yankees." 
Mr. Foster did duty as scout all through the val- 
ley, and was the first man to report for duty to 
Cu.ster after that celebrated warrior was made 
General. That was three days before the battle 
of Gettysburg. Mr. Foster participated in numer- 
ous engagements, was always found at his post 
of duty, and when his term expired he was hon- 
orably discharged, in September, 1864. 

On his return to the North, Mr. Foster lo- 
cated in Chicago and became book-keeper for the 
firm of J. R. Walker & Co., commission mer- 
chants of that city. Five years were thus passed, 
and he then went to St. Joseph, Mo., where he 
embarked in business as a wholesale dealer in 
confectionery and fancy groceries. In 1877 he 
came to Wisconsin, and, locating in Walworth 
County, embarked in farming in Lyons Town- 



ship. There he carried on agricultural pursuits 
until 1S89, when he was elected Sheriff of the 
county. Subsequently, he returned to Lake Gen- 
eva, but in 1892 was re-elected, and once more 
took up his residence in Klkhorn. He was nom- 
inated without oppo.sition in his party, and is an 
excellent officer, brave and fearless in the dis- 
charge of his duties. 

In June, 1870, Mr. Foster was united in mar- 
riage with Mi.ss Clara Townslee, of Chicago, and 
to them has been born a .son, Harry Sibley. Mr. 
Foster takes considerable interest in civic soci- 
etie; he is a Knight Templar Mason, belonging to 
Beloit Comniandery, and al.so holds membership 
with the Odd Fellows' Society and the Grand 
Army of the Republic. He belongs to the Epis- 
copal Church, and, in politics, is a stalwart .sup- 
porter of the Republican party. Every trust re- 
posed in him is faithfully fulfilled, and in public 
and private life he manifests the same fidelity to 
duty that characterized his service when he wore 
the blue and followed the Old Flag, which now 
floats so proudly over the united nation. 



FRANK JOHNSON. 



r" RANK JOHNSON, one of the wide-awake 
r^ and enterprising business men of Lake Gen- 
I eva, who is now engaged in dealing in gro- 
ceries, has a store well stocked with everj'thing 
in his line, and is now enjoying a liberal trade, 
which has constantly increased from the begin- 
ning. Mr. Johnson was born in Oakford, now 
Weston, Lenawee County, Mich., on the 9th of 
November, 1856, and is of English descent. His 
grandfather, William Johnson, was a native of 
Yorkshire, England, and was a tailor by trade. 
Having emigrated to America, his la.st days were 
spent in Lake Geneva, where he died at the age 
of eighty -four. He had but two children, one of 



whom, William S., became the father of our sub- 
ject. He was born in New York, and there lived 
until after he had attained to man's estate. He 
learned the baker's trade, and followed it in the 
East until 1854, when he emigrated to Charleston, 
111., where he made his home until during the 
war. His next place of residence was in Craw- 
fordsville, Ind., where he was engaged in busi- 
ness for a short time, after which he went to In- 
dianapolis. There he suffered the less of his 
wife, who passed away in i860. She bore the 
maiden name of Lucinda Johnson, and was born 
in Michigan. Her father, William Johnson, was 
a native of Maine, and was of English lineage. 



492 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



He lived to tlic advaiicid aije of nearly eij^hty 
years. His wife was a relative of the celebrated 
Morrill family of Maine. Mrs. Joliii.son, mother 
of our subject, was a memher of the IJpi.scopal 
Church. The father survived her until 1X70, 
and (lied in Chicago of sunstroke. In their family 
were only two children: Frank, and Ainia, who 
is now decea.sed. 

We now take up the personal hi.story of our 
subject, who was a lad of only seven years when 
his parents left Charleston, 111. Upon his moth- 
er's death he came to Lake Geneva to make his 
home with an aunt. Miss Mary J. Johnson, who 
now lives with him, and by whom he was ten- 
derly reared. When about seventeen years of 
a.ije he began learning the painter's trade, and 
lollowed it more or less for .some lime. He 
then engaged in clerking in grocery stores for 
a few years, after which he embarked in business 
along that line on his own account. 

Mr. John.son was united in marriage with Miss 



Louise H. Keyes. daughter of Alfred and Mary 
(Johnson) Keyes, l)y wliom he has three children: 
Kthel L., Edith R. and Frank K. The parents 
are both members of the Melli<Klist Church, and 
Mr. Johnson is now .serving as one i>f the Church 
Trustees and as Superintendent of the Sunday 
school. He Ijelongs to the Young Men's Chris- 
tian A.s.sociation, and is its President. Socially, 
he is connected with the Masonic fraternity, and 
with the Modern Woodmen of America. In jiol- 
itics, he is a Prohibitionist, and is now .scr\-ing 
as Super\'isor of the First Ward of Lake Geneva. 
Mr. Johnson has spent almo.st his entire life in 
this place, and his career has l)een such an hon- 
orable and upright one that he has gained the es- 
teem and confidence of all with whom he has 
been brought in contact. He is an enterpri.sing 
citizen, devoted to the best interests of the place, 
and is a popular young man. who has many 
friends in the commnnitv. 



CLARK I. MILLI'lR, M. D. 



EI..\KK I. Mll.l.l-.K. M. 1)., isoneof Wliite- 
water's busiest men, having an extensive 
practice in the line of his profe.ssiijn, which 
kee])s him almost con.stantly engaged. His 
liberal patronage attests his skill and ability, which 
are far above the average, and which have gained 
for him a high reputation. The Doctor was 
born in Middlefield, Otsego County. N. V., 
March 2, 1S44, and is a son of Cornelius and 
Almeda (Smith ) Miller, natives of the .same .State. 
The father was a carpenter and a farmer. In 
1.S45, he came to Wisconsin, and cast in his lot 
with the early settlers living near Janesville. On 
the 14th of July of that year he raised his hou.sc, 
which still stands on the old homestead. He had 
purchased woodland and hewed the logs for his 



cal)iii from llie timber upon his place. From this 
tract of land he developed a fine farm, one of 
the iiest in .southern Wi.sconsin. There his death 
occurretl November 26, 1S70, at the age of sixty- 
nine years. His wife pa.ssed awa\- August 26, 
1869, at tlie age of sixty-eight. The Millers 
were early settlers of the Mohawk \'alley, and 
one of the ancestors of our .subject built the first 
mill on the banks of the Mohawk River. His 
cousin, I). G. Young, was a member of the Legis- 
lature of New York, and was largely the cause 
of gaining for Herkimer County its enviable repu- 
tation for the fine dairy lousiness there carried on. 
The Doctor is the youngest in a family of eight 
children, all of whom are yet living. Henry is 
now engaged in hotel-keeping in Arkansas; Jere- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



493 



miah follows farming in vSoutli Dakota; Justena 
is the wife of Rev. James R. Pope, a minister of 
the Free- Will Baptist Church; Mrs. Diana Winni- 
gar makes her home in Clinton, Wis., as does 
Mrs. Eurebia Burt; Charles E. follows farming 
near Beloit; and Eeander S. is living retired in 
Campbell, Neb. 

Dr. Miller was educated in the public .schools 
of Janesville. After the breaking out of the late 
war, he responded to the country's call for troops 
to aid in crushing out the rebellion, enli.sting 
September ii, 1861, as a member of Company B, 
Thirteenth Wisconsin Infantr}-, under Capt. Ed 
Woodman. On the 4th of January, 1864, he 
re-enlisted as a veteran of the same company, 
his sendee being largely in Kentucky and Tennes- 
see. On the 24th of December, 1865, he was 
mustered out with the rank of Corporal. 

On his return home, Mr. Miller took up the 
study of medicine with Drs. Whitney & St. John, 
of Janesville, and after graduating from the Chi- 
cago Medical College, and the medical depart- 
ment of the Northwestern Univer.sity in the .Class 
of '70, he located in Whitewater, where he has 
since engaged in practice. 

Another important event in his life occurred in 
that year. On the 25th of February, in Jefferson 



County, he married Miss Minerv-a Ridgway, 
daughter of David and Kate Ridgway. To them 
have been born three children: Howard C, Katie 
and Hazel. Mrs. Miller's father, when a young 
man, learned the .shoemaker's trade, which he 
followed for a time, Init later engaged in merchan- 
dising, and subsequentl\- embarked in farming. 
In 1849, he came to Wisconsin, locating in Lima. 
In 1856, he began building a home in White- 
water, but before its completion his death occur- 
red. He passed away January 19, 1857, ^^ the 
age of thirty-.six years. In the family were five 
children, but only two are now living: Mrs. 
Miller and Mrs. Irene Kimball, of Manchester, 
Mich. Of the three deceased, one, William, 
died at the age of two years, in Penn.sylva- 
nia, passing away January 24, 1851; Thomas 
died November 15, i860, in Wisconsin, at the 
age of five years; and Mrs. Adelaide Anthony 
died in Michigan, December 7, 1S82. 

Dr. Miller is a member of the State Medical 
Society, and the Grand Army of the Republic. 
In politics, he is a stanch Republican. His suc- 
cess in his business has been won by earnest labor, 
and is well de.served. He now has the largest 
practice of any physician in Whitewater. 



WILLIAM L. NORRIS. 



I ILL! AM L. NORRIS, who for many years 
was the editor and publisher of the Repub- 
lican of Watertown, was one of the most 
prominent and highly respected citizens of Jeffer- 
son County, and when called to the honiebe\-ond 
his loss was mourned throughout the entire com- 
munity. A native of the Emerald Isle, he was 
born in Dublin on the 17th of March, 1837, and 
when a child of ten sununers was brought by his 
parents to the New World. The family located 



in Watert(jwn, where Mr. Norris resided until the 
daj- of his death, with the exception of a .short 
period spent in 0.shko.sh. The advantages re- 
ceived in the public .schools were all that were af- 
forded him in the way of education. He was a 
self-made man, who worked his way steadily up- 
ward by well-directed and earnest efforts. 

In his earlier j-ears, Mr. Norris occupied vari- 
ous clerical positions, and was always faithful to 
his employers' interests, thereby winning their 



494 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



confidence. He was married Januarj' 9, 1868, to 
Miss Augusta O. VcsU-y, of WaU-rtowii, and to 
them were t)oni fnx- cliildrcu: Maud, wife of H. 
O. Bradky, of Milwaukee: Graltau \V.; Ralph 
H., of Milwaukee; James T. aud ICthel. 

Mr. Norris' coiuicctiou with the Rtfyitbliciiii 
dated from 1872, when he entered the editorial 
department. The paper was then owned by the 
late J. II. Keyes. I'pim his removal to Ivau Claire, 
in 18S1, Mr. Norris i)urcha.scd thepai)er, and was 
the sole proprietor up to the time of his death. 
That it was ably edited, is shown by the liberal 
patronage accorded it. He ever endeavored to 
give the public a pai>er which would be of inter- 
est to the pc()])Ie, an<l through its colunnis he la- 
bored lor the upbuilding and advancement of 
everything calculated to promote the general wel- 
fare. He was a wide-awake antl ])rogre.ssive citi- 
zen, and all worthy j)ublic enterprises received 
his liearty support and co-operation. 

Mr. Norris filled the office of United States 
Ganger from 1868 until 1S85, when he was suc- 
ceeded by C. H. Jacoby. At the commence- 
ment of President Harrison's administration, he 
was re-instated, and held the position during his 



term, until he was relieved in October, 1893, mak- 
ing in all nearly twenty-two years of service un<ler 
the Government. He was a prominent and active 
member of the Royal Arcanum and Motlern 
Woodmen, and the societies with which he was 
identified attended his funeral en inas.se. For 
many jears he was a menil)er of St. Paul's P^pis- 
copal Church, contributed li))erally to ilssup|X)rt, 
and filled the office of \'e.stryman. For forty- 
seven years he lived in Jefferson County, and his 
honorable and well-spent life served as an exain- 
I)le which mij,dit be profitai)ly followed by inatiy. 
All who knew him held him in high esteem. He 
was a man of resolute jjurpose, true to what he 
l)elieved to be right, yet was posses.sed of a char- 
itable and kindly di.sposition, and had a .strong 
affection for those of his own fireside and for his 
many friends, (^f a plea.sant and genial manner, 
his companionship was welcome, and his loss will 
long be mourned in the connnunity where he was 
so long a valued and honored citizen. He passed 
away April i, 1894, and a large concour.se of 
friends gatheretl to pay their last tribute of re- 
Sjjcct to him who had been called to the home 
beyond. 



TOWNSHIPS 

AND 

INSTITUTIONS 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



497 



EAST TROY TOWNSHIP, 



HE most northeastern town of Walwortli 
County, presents a varied and picturesque 
landscape. The nortliern portion, around 
Lake Beulah, is broken and liilly; the southern 
and western portions are le\el or gently rolling. 
Lake Beulah covers an area of eight hinidred and 
twenty acres. Its shore lines are very uneven. 
Here and there promontories reaching out into the 
water, offering inviting spots for the erection of 
summer houses, are being rapidly improved. 
Many beautiful cottages overlook its clear surface. 
Several islands dot its waters. Little pleasure 
crafts gliding over it, together with canoes 
manned by fishermen, present a view at once 
inviting and picturesque. ELsewhere we speak 
of improvements around it. 

Potter's Lake, a delightful view of which is .seen 
from the home of Hon. John F. Potter, covers an 
area of three hundred acres. It, too, po.s.sesses 
great attractions for the angler, as well as the 
lover of the beautiful. Its northern .shores are 
abrupt, in places rising high above the water, and 
offering inviting .sites for homes. It was a favorite 
fishing-ground for Indians. 

Tlie pioneer settler was a Mr. Roberts, who 
made his claim in 1836, and who was soon after 
joined b\- Asa Blood, who had the honor of erect- 
ing the first cabin in the town, and with whom 
Mr. Roberts boarded. It was Iniilt on the north 
bank of Honey Creek. Messrs. Blood and Rob- 
erts lived on their claim about a year, during that 
time preparing for the erection of a sawmill. After 
getting out their lumber they sold the property to 
Jacob Burgit, who commenced building in the 
fall of 1837, and in March, 183S, completed the 
first sawmill in East Trov. Austin McCracken 



built the second hou.se, near where the East Troy 
Hotel now stands. 

During the year 1836 no le.ss than eight heads 
of families located within the town limits — those 
already named, and Daniel P. Griffen, Allen Har- 
rington, Cyrus Cass, Lyman Hill, Oliver Rath- 
burn and J. Haller. Many others followed the 
next year, among them Elias Jennings, who 
built the first gristmill in 1847. 

Gorhara Bunker was the first blacksmith, 
settling here in 1837. The fir.st physician to locate 
was Dr. William M. Gorhara, who came in 1837, 
and who also opened the first stock of merchan- 
dise. The first postoffice was kept in the house of 
Henry Powers in 1838, with John F. Potter as 
Postmaster. Gaylord Graves was the first Jus- 
tice of the Peace, having been appointed by 
Gov. Dodge, January 3, 1838. John Larkin, 
a \'ermonter, was the first shoemaker. 

The first death was that of Mrs. Lucius Allen, 
who was buried November 15, 1838. Mi.ss An- 
ger, subsequently Mrs. Charles Taylor, tanght 
the first .school in 1840. Hon. J. F. Potter was the 
first attornej-, locating herein 1838, and enjoving 
a monopoly in his profession until 1843. 

The fir.st hotel was that kept by Austin Mc- 
Cracken. It passed from a house of entertain- 
ment to a full-fledged licen.sed hotel, under 
the superv'ision of Austin Wright, in 183S. The 
first .settled pastor was of the Presbyterian faith. 
Rev. A. D. Siierman, a descendant of the famous 
Roger Sherman, who was one of the committee 
who drafted the Declaration of Independence. 

The first church organization effected —the 
first in fact in the comity — was the Methodist Elpis- 
copal. The first service was held Jul\- 3, 1836. 



498 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



It was in the house of Daniel Griflfeii that tlie 
orgaiii/ation was niaclc, Fcl)ruary 3. 183.S. The 
first circuit riders. Revs. Jesse Halstead and Samuel 
Pillshury. filled their appointments under many 
difliculties, Mr. Halstead becomin>{ a circuit- 
walker instead of rider, his horse having failed 
him. With characteristic determination, however, 
he went on foot from post to jwst, determined to 
hold the fort. Their house of worship, the 
first frame building in East Troy, was erected in 



1839. The building was recognized as a union 
church, and was used as town hall, schoolhouse, 
etc., as well. 

The Pre.sbyterian Church was organized June 
22, i'S39, by Rev. Stephen Peet, of Green 
Bay, a.s.sisted by Rev. Lemuel Hall, of Geneva. 
The first Baptist Church was organized October 
5, 1842, and the CathoHc in 1848. The latter in 
1S54 built llicir liouse of worship. 



LYONS 1X)\VNS1IIP. 



aLLEN PERKINS was the first settler in 
Lyons, where he ])ilched liis tent in 1837, 
his great ambition being to .secure a water- 
]>ower. vSoon after his locating, the Lyon broth- 
ers, Thomas and Fletcher, came from New York 
and look up land on section 10. In 1840 llie 
brothers erected a sawmill. In 1 846 it gave way 
to a gristmill. Following tliem came as perma- 
nent settlers Daniel Campbell, H. H. Davis and 
others. 

The first religious ser\-ices were conducted liy 
Rev. I). Worthinglon, a Methodist, in 1S39. 



The first ])hysician was Dr. John Stacey, who 
came in 1839. The first marriage was that of 
Norman Dyer to Mary Lake, in 1841. The first 
.school was taught by Harriet Lyon in Spring 
\'alley, in 1842. The first blacksmith, a black- 
smith clergyman, or a clergyman blacksmith, was 
T. S. Bartholomew, who came in 1843, and was 
a Universalist in belief The first store was open- 
ed by Joshua Applet)ee in Lyonsdale, in 1S44. 
The first lawyer to conunence practice was Will- 
iam P. Lyon, in 1846. The first tavern waskei)t 
by George B. Smith in 1843. 



LA r^AM/ITE TOWNSI 1 1 V. 



^IfSAIAll II.XMHI.IX, wlio lanie iVoni Ohio turned out to as.sist him in raising the first log 

I with his wife in June, 1836, has the honor of house in La Fayette. During the year Sylvanus 

X. having been the first .settler of what is now La Langdon hxrated on section 14. 
I'ayette Township. He located on the .southeastern Rev. S. A. Dunwill, who had stopped first in 

part of section 25, and on July 18, the logs being Sjiring Prairie, became one of the pioneers of this 

readv, the settlers from the neighboring towns township. Here he lived during the cold winter of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



499 



1837, when for two months his wife never saw the 
face of another woman. The first school was 
taught by Miss Ruth A. Bunnell in 1S40. The first 
store was opened in a jjnvate house by J. O. Ea- 
ton {111841. The first breakint^ of land was done 
by Alpheus Johnson in 1S37, and the result was 
a crop of fifteen hundred bushels of turnips. For 
some time during the following winter, .several 
families of new-comers had nothing else to eat. 
A sun-ivor relates that when the larder was low 



in his father's house, turnips even being .scarce, 
his father hired him with a penny to go to bed 
supperless, and then .stole the penny with which 
to bribe him the following night. 

The first child was born in October, 1837, Har- 
riet, daughter of Jo.seph Whitman. The first mar- 
riage was of Alpheus John.son to Miss Hamblin 
in 1837, Col. Perry Menick, of .Spring Prairie, 
.solemnizing the marriage. The first .sawmill 
was built by Peter Hinman on section 12, in 1843. 



SPRING PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. 



HIvS town waschri.stened by Mrs. Dr. Hemen- 
wa\', upon hearing of the beautiful and 
abundant springs which, gushing out from 
the prairie, unite and form a large .stream, which 
received the name of Spring Brook. ITpon the 
organization of the town the name thus bestowed 
was perpetuated. 

The families of David Pratt, Solomon Har\ey 
and Dr. Hemenwa}- were the pioneers, having lo- 
cated here in 1836. Rev. S. A. Dunwill came 
in November of the .same year, and became 
the historian not only of this section, but of 
the county as well. His descriptions are most ex- 
cellent. 

In the year 1837, Roderick Menick, Isaiah Dike, 
John E. Hopkins, James McNoy, Samuel C. 
Vaughan, William D. Crain, William H. Dun- 
ning. Jabesh T. Clement, Perrin vSmith, An.sel vSal- 
isbur\', Che.ster Baker, John Bell, George Bell, 
A. H. Bunnell, Benjamin Hoyt and William B. 
Wade came to the town.ship. 

The first breaking of land was by Palmer Gard- 
ner on section 25, May 2, 1836. He plowed 
eighteen acres. 

The fir.st marriage ceremony was that of Olmi 
Van \'alni to Miss Jane Resigue, July 16, 1837. 
The bride, at whose home the ceremony was per- 



formed, was not of this county. The first wed- 
ding to occur in the town was that of Reuben 
Clark and Maria Van \'aliii, September 3, 1837. 
The first birth was that of Sarah M. Smith, 
daughter of Sylvester G. .Smith, September 14, 

IS37- 

The first death was that of Mary E. Smith, 
July 3, 1837, the funeral services being performed 
by S. A. Dunwill. 

The fir.st church was the Baptist, organized in 
the fall of 1837, Rev. William R. Manning being 
the first settled pastor. 

The first sermon was jireached by Samuel 
PhcEiii.x, July 10, 1836. 

The fir.st frame hou.se, probably the first in the 
count}' as well, was erected l)y Benjamin C. Perce 
in 1836. 

The first drove of swine to be driven into the 
town and county, consisting of two hundred head, 
was brought here by Ephraim Perkins, of Bur- 
lington, in July, 1837. 

The first nursery was established bj- John Bell 
in 1837. He commenced with fourlnindred trees, 
and increased his business yearly, until in 1858 his 
nursery numbered a quarter of a million trees. 
This was the pioneer nursery of Wi.sconsin. 

The first po.stoffice was located at Spring Prairie 



500 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Corners in 1838. The office was then called 
I''ranklin, and Dr. A. A. Hcnitnway was the first 
Postmaster. 

The first sc1hk)1 was tauglil li> Miss Juliette 
Menick in the summer of 1S37. 

The first wagons were made by A. II. W'itherel 
in rS40. 
The first shoe maker was Jo.siah A. Puffer, i.Sjy. 



The first blacksmith shop was opiiiL-d !>> Henry 
Ivlliott in 1840. 

The first store was e.slablished in 1.S37, Mi 
Crawford l^eing the storekeejx'r. 

The first "tailor clothes' of home manufacture 
were worn by Jackson Kohler, who commenced 
working at that business in 184.1. 

A Mormon Chiirch was established in 1844, i)Ut 
subse<|uently was abandoned. 



\vinri:\VAri:R ruwxsiiip 



0CCUPIES the northwest portion of llic conn 
ty. The surface varies, being in parts (juitc 
hilly, and in others swampy. The central 
jiortion is comparativelv level and highly pro- 
ductive. 

Samuel Prince was the first permanent settler 
in the town of Whitewater. In July, 1H36, he 
built a house of small logs, twelve feet square and 
eight feet high, where he kept "bachelor's hall," 
he being a widower at the time. When others 
came he arranged bunks, sailor fashion, on the 
sides of his cabin (or their acconmiodation. Prior 
to his building the cal)in, he had cut his name on 
a tree, with the date, at a point some distance west 
of where he finally halted, thus indicating his 
claim. His first vi.sitors were William and I-e- 
ander Birge, Dr. Brewer and Charles Hamilton. 
Afterwards in July, 1.S37, came Norman and Free- 
man L. Pratt, brothers, who were accompa- 
nieil li\- their wives. Soon new log h(nises 
sjirang u]i and a jolly time was had. 

In September, 1837, Zerah Mead arrived from 
St. Lawrence County, N. V., to .select a home 
for himself and his young bride. He jint nj) 
at the Prince House, and connnenced the erection 
of a commodious house, 18x22 feet, with a shingle 
roof, the first sliingle<l roof in Whitewater. 
Returning later, he brought his wife. Then came 



William Hirge an<l others, until in i.S'-yS (jnite a 
settlement had been made. Dr. Tripp erected 
the first gristmill in 1S39. His business quali- 
ties, combined with the money he brought into 
the settlement (a large sum for those days), made 
him the virtual founder of the village of White- 
water. 

The first school was taught by Sheldon C. 
Powers in 1840. 

The first juistoffice was o|)ened April i, 1840, 
I). J. Powers being Postmaster. 

Re\-. Jesse Halstead preached the first sermon 
in the town in the fall of 1S37. The Methodi.st 
I^pi.scopal Church was organized in 1843. 

The Congregational Church was organized 
Jnlv 3, 1S40. 

The Ii;i)iscopal Church was organized in 1.S41,. 
by Rev. K. Cadle. 

The Catholics effected an organization in 1851, 
the first ]}riest being Rev. Martin Kundig. 

The Baptists organized in 1842, ICld. A. H. 
Winchell becoming their first jiastor. 

Henjamin Bosworth opened the first store, in 
October, 1839. 

The great wagon industr\ of Whitewater was 
inauguratefl by O. A. Weed, who oi)ene<l a shop 
in 1843. He was followed the next year liy I,. 
A. Winchester. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



501 



The first hotel was the Powers House, built 
in 1840 b)- Joseph and D. J. Powers. 

The first death was that of Jotham N. Baker, 
September 19, 1839. 

ST.\TE NORM.\L SCHOOL. 

The vState Nonnal school at Whitewater was 
opened April 21, 1868, by Oliver Avery, A. M., 
formerly connected with the normal schools in 
New York. He was assisted bj- his talented and 



highly educated wife, a graduate of Oberlin Col- 
lege, Ohio. 

The Nonnal has done and is doing a grand 
work. The grounds embrace an area of ten 
acres, on an elevation overlooking the coun- 
try for miles around. They have been hand- 
somely laid out in walks and lawns, and are orna- 
mented with trees, shrubbery, evergreens and 
flowers. The main building is 108x67 feet, with 
.several extensions. 



RICHMOND TOWNSHIP. 



yyi ORRIS F. HAWES has the honor of hav- 
y ing been the first settler of this township. 
(3 He arrived August i, 1837, and immedi- 
atel}' laid claim to the south half of section i. 
Squire Hawes had come from Michigan, and his 
equipage, when he left Chicago, consisted of four 
yoke of oxen and three wagons. One of these 
wagons was covered after a primitive fashion and 
sensed as a familj- carriage. His familj- consisted 
of his wife and six children. 



The first marriage was that of Elijah Belding 
to Man,- James, April 18, 1839, the ceremon\- be- 
ing performed by Israel Williams, of Geneva. 

The first death was that of Dorcas James, the 
wife of Thomas James, which occurred April 9, 
1842. 

The first church organized was the Methodist 
Episcopal, at Utter's Corners in 1852. 

The first town meeting was held April 5, 1842. 



DARIEN TOWNSHIP. 



HE town of Darien was first settled by Chris- 
topher Chee.sbro and E. Belding, who came 
in April, 1837. Mr. Cheesbro located on .sec- 
tion 14, built a house, broke a few acres of land, 
and planted corn, beans and a few other vegeta- 
bles. Belding located on section 11, and also 
broke a few acres of land. Both were unmarried. 



Next came N. S. Com.stock on horseback from 
Delavan County, N. V., reaching this point May 
28, and locating on section 7. After erecting a 
log house he returned to New York for his fam- 
ily. Settlement of the town was rapid. The 
next day after the arrival of Comstock, A. W. 
Maxson located on .section 18. cut the sod from the 



502 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



prairie with an axe, and planted l>eans and melons. 
In the month of June John Lippett, Cyrus Lip- 
jK-tt. John Hrucf, Salmon Thomas and Tnmi- 
hull 1). Thomas arrived. 

Soon after her arrival here Mrs. .'-;aliii(,ii 'i'liomas 
jjave hirth to a child, .Mfreit \\'., since District 
Attorney, the first white child horn in the town of 
Darien, July lo, 1S36. 

The first sawmill was built hy Jo.se])h Maxson 
and his .sou A. W. in 1841, and was replaced hy 
a j^rislmill in 1S50, also erected by them. 

The first death was that of Christopher C. 
ClKesl>ro. in April, 1S39. 



The first marriage was that of Caleb Blodgett 
to Lorinda Jones in 1839. 

The first school was taught by Mrs. Mary Car- 
ter in 1.S40. 

The first hotel was liuilt bv James K. Hrucein 

The first slorc was l)uill by Henry Frew 
The first church was that organized by the 
Ha])tists in 1850. 

The first p.istoffice was that of Hloominn I'rairie. 
o])ene(l in 1S3.S, with C. C. Cheesbro as Postmas- 
ter. 



SHARON row \siiii\ 



Gl C'KICrLTrkAI.LV, this is perhaps thebest 
r I town in Walworth Count\-, the soil l)eing 
/ 1 j,'enerally excellent in (|ualit\-. Tu John 
keeder is due the credit of having been the first 
settler in the township. He located on .section 27 
in February, 1837. He built a sniall log shanty, 
but remained only a short time there. 

The first mill was Iniilt on Turkey Creek by 
Jose])!] Pierce, in 1S41. The first church was by 
the Lutherans in iS^H. The first .school was 
taught in 1841 . The first postoffice was at Sharon 
Corners in 1843, and Isaac Case was appointed 



Postmaster. The first store was opene<l by Mr. 
\'an Winters in 1840. The first liotel was built 
by J. Jones at tlie same time. 

Monev' was .scarce among the earlv .settlers, and 
one of their greatest hardships w.as the payment 
of taxes. The first Collector discovered a hole 
of potatoes, belonging to a ])er.son who had neg- 
lected to pay his taxes, and advertised a "potato- 
hole" for sale. The tax-payer, before the day of 
.sale, took the ])otatoes out and left the "hole," as 
advertised, to the great merrinuiit of all but the 
Collector. 



GENEVA roWXSIIIP. 



'( ) GIvXFX'A belongs the distinction of hav- Oeneva now .stands, in April, 1836, belongs the 

ing been the first settled part of Walworth honor of being the pioneer. He had jireviously 

County, and to Cliri.stopher Pa\ne, who lo- \isited the place and staked out his claim. He, 

caled on section 36, where the \illage of Lake and those whom he brought with liim n])on his 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



503 



return, founded the village. Their names were 
as follows: Christopher Payne, Robert W. War- 
ren, G. S. Warren, Andrew Ferguson, James 
Van Slyke, Charles A. Noyes, Reuben T. Ostran- 
der, Jonathan Ward and George W. Trim1)le. 

Christopher Payne was a native of Somerset 
County, Pa., where he was born in 1786. Thence, 
when but fourteen >-ears of age, he was taken to 
Belmont, Ohio. In 18 12 he engaged in Indian 
warfare. He was a fearless Indian-fighter, and 
served as a scout, running unharmed the desper- 
ate chances in that dangerous ser\-ice. In April, 
1814, he was one of the garrison of Ft. Harri.son, 
Ind., and while it was besieged by the Indians, 
was one of twenty-five who successfully defended 
it against an army of five hundred Indians, well 
armed, who were at length forced to raise the 
siege. The ma.ssacre of a brother made him an 
Indian-hater. 

Geneva Van vSlyke, born July 3, 1S36, was the 
first child born in the county. 

The first marriage was that of Charles A. Xoyes 
to Nanc3' Warren, in December, 1836. 

The first frame building was that erected by 
Andrew Fergu.son in 1837. In it he opened the 
first stock of goods. 

The first schoolhou.se was built in 1839 by pri- 



vate subscription. It was the first frame school- 
house in the county, and Mi.ss Anger was the 
teacher. 

The first .sawmill in Geneva was also the first 
in the county. It was .started in May, 1837. 

The first gristmill was started in October, 183S. 
It drew grist from as far as Milwaukee and 
Kenosha, as well as from points on Rock River to 
the West. 

The first po.stoffice was e.stabli.shed in 1S3S, 
with Andrew Ferguson as Po.stmaster. 

The fir.st cooper was William Alexander, in 
1839- 

The first death was that of an old man, Crusier 
by name, in the winter of 1837. 

The finst fatal casualty which occurred resulted 
in the death of William Casporus, who fell from 
the scaflfolding while erecting Mrs. Farnum's 
house, in 1S38. 

The first blacksmith was Jotham Curtis, in 
1S36. 

The first wagon-shop was opened by D. W. 
Cook, in 183S. 

The first resident physician was Dr. O. S. Tif- 
fany, in 1838. 

The first drug .store was that of Lewis Curtis, 
opened in 1S39-40. 



WALWORTH TOWNSHIP. 



•VT was in Walworth that Big Foot made his 
I home, and from there he took his final leave 
X of the Walworth hunting-grounds. 

James Van Slyke made the first settlement, 
near the Indian village. He built his cabin there 
and moved his family into it in 1836. Mrs. \'an 
Slj-ke was the fir.st white woman in the town. 
It is related that in February, 1837, \'an Slyke, 
with Nathan Disbrow, driving in a drove of hogs 
from Illinois, were caught in the memorable sud- 



den cold snap that came on. They were obliged to 
leave their drove four miles from the house, and 
make their waj- to the cabin as rapidly as possible, 
to escape freezing to death. They arrived there at 
last, but Di.sbrow's feet were .so badly frozen that 
he lost the toes on one foot, which were ampu- 
tated by Mrs. Van Slyke with the only surgical 
instrinnents she had, namely, a pair of sci.ssors 
and a butcher knife. 

Mrs. Van Slyke was certainly a most remark- 



504 



PORTRAIT AND KIOGRAl'HICAI, RECORD. 



able woman. Her experiences of frontier life, and 
lier fearlessness amid dangers from which her cow- 
ardly luisl)an(l shrank, Jiavc often ht-eii comment- 
e<l on. 

Ill IS ',7 iht-re came to the township Cyrus 
Church, Jacob Saunders, Marcus Russell, Rob- 
ert Russell, J. C. Church, Thomas Clodfrey, John 
Reader, James A. Maxwell, Ira Starr, Israel 
Williams, Amos Hailc\- and J. Ward, besides \'an 
Slyke already mentioned. 

The postoffice of the first settlers was Chicago 
for the first year, and Pluenix's, at Delavan, the 
second. Parties would fL>lloiV the Indian-trail to 
Chicago, and then pay twenty-five cents' postage 
to secure a letter. 

First plowing was done b\- James \'an .Slyke, 
who broke one hundred acres the first sea.soii, in 

The first white child horn was Clara Anna 
Hell, daughter of William and Susan Bell, born 
July S, i8:,7. 



The first death was that of a child of Amos 
Bailey in 1837. There being no minister, the last 
sad rites were ]K-rformed by the neighbors, as were 
also those tjf tlie two foilowing deaths. 

The first religious meetings were held at the 
liome of James A. Maxwell by Kid. P. W. Lake. 

The first church was organized by Kid. Henry 
Ti)]>ping in the spring of 1844. 

The first .schoollxmse was built in i.S,^y. Mrs. 
Moses Williams was the first teacher. 

The first marriage was that of Rolx'rt RHs.sell 
to Mi.ss Hannah Williams. 

The first postoffice was establishe<i in 1839 and 
William Bell appointed Postma.ster. 

The first log house was built by Thomas God- 
frey in June, 1837, on Hig Foot Prairie. 

Israel Williams was the first Justice of the 
Peace. 

Dr. L. N. Wood was the pioneer physician, not 
onl\ of the township, but of the county. 



DELAVAN TOWNSHIP. 



HE FIRST settlers of Delavan were Henrv 
,-ind .Sanuiel I*. Pluenix. They were men 
of strong religious principles, who were seek- 
ing a home in the Territory of Wisconsin that the>' 
might found a colcjny composed of j)eople of like 
views with themselves. It should be character- 
ized as being a temperance conununil\, a com- 
munity of religionists, and above a recognition of 
"color lines;" a place where a ]>oor, despi.sed col- 
ored man would be honored for his worth. With 
such a delerniination tliey left Perr\-, X. V., and 
in tile month of May, 1836, started for the Rock 
Ri\er region, already noted for its fertility and 
l)eauty. .-Xfter |)ros])ecting several weeks they 
came to .Spring Prairie. Then Henr\-, the elder, 
left for New York, and .Sanuiel continued his 



search alone, and on August 5, 1836, he pitchetl 
his tent on the jiresent site of the village of Dela- 
\aii, and with three hired men commenced the 
arduous labor of founding a village. In October 
a cou.sin, William PlKenix, arrived witli his fam- 
ily. A hou.se 20x22 feet, with ])uiicheon floor and 
shake roof, was promjUly built, it being the first 
on the site of Delavan. 

On October 25, William Pliceiiix attended the 
"Helmoiil Legislature" as a lobby member, and 
it was mainly througli his influence tliat the 
county at that time received the name of Wal- 
worth. The name Delavan, bestowed uiKin the 
townshi]). was in honor of Kdward C. Delavan, a 
indininenl temperance man of .Albany, .\. \'. 
Henry Phtenix arrived with. his family in June, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



505 



1838, and the brothers set about active business, 
opening farms, laying out a village and erecting 
mills. 

Among the new arrivals were Henrj- Barlow 
and A. H. Taggart. Henry Barlow was married 
Juh' 3, 1S41, to Emeline La Bar, the first mar- 
riage celebrated in Delavan. 

Charles Hailex', James Hollinshead and others 
came soon after. 

A sawmill was completed by the Phcenix's in 
February, 1839. A gristmill followed a few 
months later, of which Amos Otis was the builder. 

The first store was opened by Phcenix Bros. , 
in 1838, near Swan Lake. 

In 1837 William Phcenix was appointed Post- 
ma.ster. 

The first church was organized Ijy the Baptists 
during 1838, with sixteen members. 

The first school, of some twelve scholars, was 
taught by Miss Julia Dyer in 1839. 

The first log house was built by Allen Perkins 
in 1836. 

The first religious meeting was held and ad- 
dressed b\- Sanuiel F. Phcenix, August 7, 1836. 



The first .sermon preached by an ordained minis- 
ter was by Elder Benjamin Pierce, October 7, 
1836. 

The first lawyer was Milo Kelsey, who settled 
here in 1837. 

The first white child born was Amelia T. Tay- 
lor, daughter of Luke Taylor, her birth occurring 
on October 12, 1837. 

The first burial was that of Salmon Thomas, 
which took place in June, 1837, his bod\- being 
brought from Racine. 

The fir.st death was that of Daniel La Bar, in 
July, 1839. 

The first physician was Henderson Hunt, who 
settled here in 1841. 

The first sub.stantial brick building was that 
built by A. H. Taggart and George Passage, in 
1842. 

The first permanent pastor. Rev. Henry T. 
Topping, came in 1839. 

The first banking and exchange office was that 
of N. M. Harrington, which was the first in the 
county, as well as in the village. 



SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 



^1 TOWNvSHH' abounding in lakes and com- 
Ll prising much excellent land. The first to 
I I make a claim was John Davis, on .sections 
13 and 14, near vSilver Lake, in 1836. He built 
a cabin and lived alone, being unmarried. He 
remained a year, sold out, and left for other 
scenes. 

During 1837-38 many settlers came: Daniel 
Bigelow, William McDonald, James Holden, Caleb 
Miller, John Rand, Freeborn Welch and others. 

The first marriage was that of J. Crawford to 
Martha McCart in 1837. 

First child born, Helen Ro.senkrans, 1838. 

First church, Congregationalist, 1839. 



First school taught b\' Adaline McCracken, in 
1840. 

First physician, Dr. Harmon Gray, 1840. 

First general store opened b\- Julius Edwards, 
1840. 

First lawyer, C. D. Pulver, who came in 1839. 

Fir.st hotel, Capt. George W. Kendall, in 1839. 

First death, child of William Bohall, March, 
1838. 

First casualty, accidental drowning of Mr. 
Kingsle)-, while bathing in Silver Lake, 1839. 

Fir.st postoffice, 1840, Capt. Kendall Postmaster. 

First male child born, W'oodbury Harrington, 



^o6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RF.CORD. 



BLOOMi ii:ld row'xsiiii 



1 1 1'". I'"IRST persons to locate witliin the pres- 
ent limits of the town of Bloomfield were 
Harry Kimball aiul his son Orainel. the 
loi iiier a native of Connecticut. He came to Hlooni- 
field in 1.S36, and made a claim on section 6. In 
the following s])ring he was joined by his son. 
when tlie\' built a lojj cabin on the claim. 

The first family to make a home was that of 
Harry Tup|K-r. Mrs. Tupper was the first white 
woman that settled in the town, and the mother 
of the first child born here, Silas Wriijhl Tup- 



per b\ name, the date of his birth being June 24, 
iS^S. In 1838 many other families arrived. 

The first marriage was that of William Will- 
iams and Miss Adeline Huckland, in I-ebruar\-. 
1841. The ceremony was performed hv C. M. 
Haker, lilsq. 

The first school was taught in 1X40 by Mrs. 
Ivlecta Ward, in a house belonging to W. D. 
Chajiin. The first church was the Methodist 
Episcopal, organized in 1841. 



TROY rowxsim 



^1 S lv\RI,V as 1835 Jesse Meacham and Adol- 
Ll phus Spoor stopped temporarily in what is 
I I now Tro\' Township. Arriving on the banks 
of a beautiful stream, they regaled themselves on 
honey, in honor of which event they gave the name 
Honey Creek to the .stream, which, togetlier with 
several lakes, waters the township. 

A beautiful little sheet of water, with its one 
F'airv' Island, on .sections 13 and 24, received its 
name, like Honey Creek, at an early day. In 
reminiscences of earl_\- Troy, Rev. Mr. Heardsley 
.says: "An elderly gentleman by the name of 
Horth came into the county with the Meacham 
family. He had been in their family a nund)er of 
years before coming here, and conlinuetl with 
them some years after their emigration here. He 



was a ipiiet, retiring man, who seemed not much 
burdened with worldly cares and labors. He was 
enchanted with the beautiful lake, ami was wont 
to spend a large i)art of his time either in fishing 
or in .some other manner. If aii\- one inquired 
for him, they were i)robabl>- informed that he was 
down at tile lake. And so it came to pass t'lat it 
was often remarked by s<jme one, 'Let us go 
down to the lake and .see what Horth is about.' 
At last the beautiful little bod\- of water came to 
be called Borth's Lake, a name which it has con- 
tinued to hold." Lake Lulu is also in this town- 
ship, as are several others of minor importance. 

Meacham and Spoor returned for their families 
after ItK-ating their claim, but, returning — a re- 
turn attended with many diflicnlties — found that 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI, RECORD. 



507 



during their absence the same spot had attrac- 
tions for another, Othin Beardsley, who, with his 
brother Alexander and a young man named 
Roberts, had commenced improvements, thus be- 
coming the first actual settlers in the township. 

Othin Beardsley located early in 1836, and 
commenced plowing May 16, of that year. He 
became the first member of the House from Wal- 
worth County, being first elected in 1838, and re- 
elected in 1839 and 1840. During the same and 
the following year many joined the .settlement, 
among them Adolphus Spoor, John R. Robinson, 
and two brothers. 

In 1837 a colony from Hadle}-, Mass., settled 
near the present village of Troy. 

The first religious .services were held by Re\-. 
James Flanders and Rev. James Delan\-. Re\-. 
James Delanj- now resides in Whitewater. 

William Pitt Meacham, born to Urban D. Mea- 
cham, was born in Troy, September 27, 1836, 
the first birth in the town. 

The fir.st marriage was that of Sylvanus Spoor 
and Caroline Goodrich, November 16, 1S37. 



The first .school was taught by Mrs. Ladd, of 
Mukwonago, in 1839-40, in the home of Samuel 
L. Porter. She had in all .seven pupils, mo.stly 
children of the Porters. 

Jesse Meacham was the first Postma.ster,the office 
being established in 1838, at the old village of Tro\-. 
Albert Hibbard carried the first mail, the line run- 
ning from Troy to Elkhorn. 

S. B. Edwards opened the fir.st blacksmith .s'lop 
in 1839. A lad, S. G. West, was with him, and 
this being the only .shop on the direct line between 
Milwaukee and Janesville, they had a large patron- 
age, more than they could attend to. 

The 4th of July was celebrated in Troy in 1837, 
w ith toasts and dancing. One of the toasts has 
been preserved, that by Dr. James Tripp: "To 
that important personage, the Devil — May he 
never be permitted to make visits abroad, nor to 
receive company at home. ' ' 

TheM. E. Church was organized in 1S37; the 
Congregationalist August 17, 1839, by Rev. Lem- 
uel Hall, and the Bible Christians in i8s8. 



LINN TOWNSHIP. 



1 INN TOWNSHIP presents a happy blend- 
jC ingofundulating and level prairie. Itsnorth- 
L/ ern boundary is the beautiful Lake Geneva, 
the shores of which are dotted here and there with 
elegant .summer homes and resorts. 

The first permanent settler in the township 



was John Powers, who located on .section i, in 
the year 1.S37. The first blacksmith shop, also 
claimed to ha\e been the first in the county, was 
that of Patrick Cullen. The first general stock 
of goods to be opened was by Arthur Kaye. The 
first church to be e.stabli.shed was the Bapti.st. 



5<J.S 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



LACRAXGK TOWXSIIir. 



ENklS Hl'TOX named llic town. James 
Iloklen was tlie first settler. He located 
liere April 2, 1837, making a claim of one 
square mile, consisting of timber and prairie 
bordering on a lake to thesotitli. Here, with the 
aid of Kdwin De Wolf, he built a shanty, and 
lived a bachelor life for two years, when he re- 
turned to \'erniont to take unto himself a wife to 
share in the experiences of frontier life. 



The next year after Mr. Holden's location wit- 
nessed the coming of many others, among them 
the first child born in the township, a son of 
James Burt, born in 1838. In 1839 the first mar- 
riage occurred, that of Mr. Swett. The first 
school, a private one, was taught t>v Melissa 
Cornish. 



Tin: wTscoxsix sdiooL voR riii-: di-ai-. 



Illv Wisconsin Schof)l for the Deaf is in Dcla- 
\.ni, Walworth County, a town of twenty- 
Uvo hundred inhabitants, on the Racine & 
.S( mill western Di\'ision of the Chicago, Milwaukee 
^t St. Paul Railroad, which, with its wide streets, 
well-kept lawns and ta.sty residences, justly 
claims to be one of the most attractive towns in 
the State, and with Delavan Lake, which is two 
and a-half miles from the town, is one of the 
most popular sununer re.sorts in the Northwest. 

The institution is delightfnll\- situated on an 
elevation overlooking the town and the surround- 
ing coiuitry, and the beant\- and desirabilit\- of 
its location can hardl\- besuri)a,s.sed. The grountls 
include about fortj- acres. The buildings are 
:irtisticall\' constructed, and are su])plied with all 
the mo<lern improvements, such as electric-light- 
ing, steam-heating and water for fire and <lonies- 



tic i)urposes. The in.stitution embraces two de- 
partments — the educational and the industrial. 
The educational department conipri.ses a school 
course covering about ten years, whose curriculum 
corresponds to that in our public .school.s. The 
system of in.struction in the school is the Com- 
bined ,S\stem, which includes the manual and the 
oral methods. The manual method is the teach- 
ing, by u.se of signs, of the manual al])hal)et, and 
b\- writing. The oral, or arlicnlation, method is 
the leaching by .speech. Kaeh pupil is taught l)y 
the method which is be.st suited to the pupil. 
Tile manual method has been employed ever 
since the organization of the .school. The oral 
method was begun in this institution as .soon as, 
if nol prior to, any iiistitntii>n in the We.st. Miss 
lCniil\- Ivddy has been articulation teacher here 
since 1S6S. For the last eight years there have 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



509 



been three articulation classes, each class having 
a separate teacher. The plan in these classes is 
to have exclusively oral recitations. Pupils are 
not only taught articulation, hut they are taught 
by articulation. Graduates from this school are 
qualified to enter I he introductor>- class of the 
Deaf Mute College at Wa.shington, D. C. 

In the industrial department four trades are 
taught — cabinet-making, .shoemaking, printing 
and baking. Each shop is under the direct su- 
pervision of a skilled foreman, and pupils leaving 
the in.stitution are thus enabled to earn a suffici- 
ent livelihood. The law provides that all the 
deaf and dumb residents of the State between 
the ages of eight and twenty-five years, of suitable 
capacity, shall be received and taught free of 
charge for board and tuition, parents and guard- 
ians being expected to furnish clothing and pay 
traveling expenses. 

The Wisconsin School for the Deaf was incor- 
porated by an act of the Legislature April 19 
1852, which declared the object of the school as 
follows: "To afford to the deaf and dumb of the 
State, so far as possible, enlightened and practical 
education, that may aid them to obtain the means 
of subsistence, discharge the duties of citizenship, 
and secure all the happiness which they are cap- 
able of obtaining. " The inception and establish- 
ment of this .school is largely due to Ebenezer 
Cheesbro, who emigrated from New York State 
and settled two miles west of Delavan in 1839. 
Ariadna, the deaf daughter of Mr. Cheesbro, had 
been in .school in the New York institution, and 
Mr. Cheesbro was desirous of completing her ed- 
ucation. In 1850 Mi.ss Wealthy Hawes was en- 
gaged to come to the Cheesbro residence and teach 
Ariadna, together with James A. Dudley, a deaf 
boy living in the vicinit)'. Miss Hawes was a 
graduate of the New York institution and had 
known Ariadna in school. This acquaintance 
led to her installment as a tutor of the.se two deaf 
children. In the fall of 1851 .she was succeeded 
by John A. Mills, a graduate of the New York in- 
.stitution. About this time the idea of organizing 
a larger school was formulated by the members 
of the Chee.sbro family, and it was through their 
efforts that the school opened in the fall of 185 1, 



with .seven deaf pupils, and John A. Mills as 
teacher. This school was held at Mr. Chee.sbro's 
residence for four months, and was maintained at 
his own expen.se. It was then that Mr. Cheesbro 
had drawn up and circulated a petition to the 
Legi,slature asking for the establishment of an in- 
stitute for the education of the deaf, to be located 
at or near Delavan. Hon. C. M. Baker, Assem- 
blyman from Walworth County, presented the 
petition to the Legislature, and it was through his 
efforts that a bill was passed, April ig, 1S52, in- 
corporating the "Wisconsin Institution for the 
Education of the Deaf and Dumb," to be located 
at Delavan, Walworth County. On the recom- 
mendation of Superintendent J. W. Swiler, the 
Legislature changed the name of the .school to the 
"Wisconsin School for the Deaf" in 1885. The 
act of incorporation named Ebenezer Cheesbro, 
William C. Allen, Franklin K. Phcenix, Hender- 
son Hunt, P. W. Lake, Wyman Spooner, Jesse 
C. Mills, James A. Maxwell and George Williams 
as a board of tru.stees, having the general manage- 
ment of the school, with power to employ a prin- 
cipal; and made an appropriation of $3,000 for 
buildings, and $500 for the support of the school 
for the en.suing year. This board was organized 
in June, 1852, with Henderson Hunt, President; 
Wyman Spooner, Treasurer; F. K. Phcenix, Sec- 
retary; J. R. Bradway, Principal. Under this 
administration .school was opened in Jul\-, with 
eight pupils, in the upper story of a building in 
the rear of the Schultz Block, where it remained 
till the new buildings were completed. The pupils 
were at first boarded in private families, but their 
number increasing to fourteen, a house was rented 
for their special use. 

In the mean time the location and erection of the 
new buildings occupied the attention of the board. 
F. K. Phcenix donated a tract of eleven acres in 
the western part of Delavan, which is the present 
site of the institution, and in his honor the grounds 
are called "Phoenix Green." The plan of the 
buildings con.sisted of a main building, 56.X60, 
five stories, of l)rick, including basement and at- 
tic, with two transverse or lateral wings. The 
east wing, a two-story building of Ijrick, 34 liy 44, 
with attic and basement, was completed in Jan- 



5'o 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



nary, 1854, at a cost of $2,981. and had accom- 
niodatioii for Ihirty-five pupils. The school moved 
into their new (|ii.Trters the followiiijj month. The 
m.iin huiUlinj; was finished in 1.H57. at a cost of 
$30,000. Among other improvements made that 
year was the construction of a workshop, 24x48, 
two stories in heij;lit, at a cost of Si .500, together 
with a large barn. 

Principal Hradwa\ had been succeeded In Lu- 
cius F<K)te, and he in turn by Horatio N. Hubbell. 
.\t the time of the opening of the new building. 
Louis H. Jenkins was ]irinci])al. He was a man of 
experience in deaf-mute education and contributed 
largely to the auspicious opening of the school. 

To Prof Warren Robinson we are indebted for 
the following extract from his history of thesclKwl: 
"In 1.S56 Mr. Jenkins was succeeded by J. S. Offi- 
cer, under whose al)le management the institution 
made a decidedl\' forward move. Though previ- 
ously advocated by Mr. Jenkins, industrial edu 
cation was not begun until Mr. Officer's term, in 
the form of cabinet making. This was a wise 
step, for t(jo much can hardly be said in favor of 
manual tr.iining, especially in the case of the deaf 

During the .session of i.Ssj-.sS a law was passed 
by the Legislature re<iuiring pupils who were sent 
to the Deaf and Dumb or Blind institutions to pay 
$75 P'-"'' annum uidess parents could make oath 
before an officer that they were unable to pa\- that 
amount, and a similar one in 1867: but they oper- 
ated so disastrously on the prosperity of those in- 
.stitutious that they were both repealed soon after 
their passage. The jx-riod of the civil war was a 
time of considerable pecuniary endiarra.ssment to 
the in.stitute, atid teachers worked on reduced 
.salaries. Mr. Officer died in office in 1S64, and 
his place was fille<l by H. W. Milligan, whose ad- 
ministration was signalized 1)\ the introduction of 
steam-heating, gas-lighting, and the opening of a 
.shoe-shop. The next two principals to take charge 
of the institute, l>etween the >ears 1869 and 
1875, were Iv C. Stone and George L. Weed, 
both men of experience and ability. In 1875 
Dr. William H. DeMotte was elected Super- 
intendent. The following events marked his 
term of office: The erection of a small wooden 
building for a gynniasium; the opening of 



a ba.sket-shop in a part of the cabinet shop; 
the introduction of printing, and the starting of 
a pa]H.r, the "Deaf Mute Press," in 1S78: the 
giving of elementary instructions in drawing for a 
few months; the erection and fitting up of a build- 
ing for a kitchen and laundr\- ; and the destruc- 
tion of the old institute by fire on .September 16, 
1879. No clue as to the origin of the fire has 
ever vet been obtained. The building was a 
total loss to the .State, as it was not covered by in- 
surance. In spite of the great inconvenience 
cause<l b\' this most unex]H.*cteil calamity, the 
work of the school was not susj)cnded. The shoe- 
shop was inmiediately converted into a dormitory 
for the bo\s. while the lady teachers and girls 
were taken in by ])rivate families on tlie hill and 
down town. In the mean time the .school work 
was carried on mostl\ in the Methodist Church in 
the village, until the carpenter-.shoi) was divided 
II]) into schoolrooms and a small office for the 
])rincipal and .steward. After the fire, the public 
l>ress began seriou.sly to di.scuss the advisabilit\- 
of moving the institution to some other place, 
but nothing came of it. Plans for new buildings 
were adopted, and, an appropriation of $''5,000 
having been secured, their erection was com- 
menced in the spring of 1880." 

The new buildings were constructed ou tlie 
cottage or segregate plan. The main building 
is a three-story white brick structure, with attic, 
and .solid .stone l)asenienl, 50x100. A wide cor- 
ridor runs the entire length of the first floor, 
whicli contains a reception-room. |>arlor, office, 
matron's room and a suite of ro<ims occupied bv 
the .Superintendent. On the .second floor is a 
large and well-lighted ^tndy-room. used by the 
girls, and the rooms occupied bv the lady teachers 
living in the institution. On the third floor are 
the girls' sleeping and toilet rooms. The attic is 
used as a gynniasium for girls. In the rear of 
llie main building is a two-stor\- brick exten.sion, 
45x75, which contains a chapel, with a seating 
capacity for three hundred jwrsons. 

The chapel has a large platfonn, supplied with 
a full complement of stage settings and drop-cur- 
tains, which aid materially in the giving of insti- 
tution entertainments. In the basement of the 



at 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



5" 



building are the dining-hall and kitchen. About 
one hundred yards east of the main building 
stands the school building, a solid white brick 
and stone structure, two stories in height, with 
basement 66x122. It has two main entrances, 
one for the boys and one for the girls. A wide 
corridor runs the entire length of the building on 
each floor. The school-rooms, 20x26, are all 
supplied with closets and cloak-rooms, and are .so 
arranged that each room has the benefit of sunlight 
during some portion of the day. The building 
is well furnished with the best school apparatus, 
and has ample accommodations in the way of heat 
and ventilation. Thirty yards west of the main 
building is the boys' dormitory, a two-.story 
white brick structure, with stone basement, 66x 
122, which contains, besides the dormitories, lav- 
atories and study-rooms. In the rear of the main 
building stands the new engine-house, which was 
erected in 1885. The building is two stories in 
height, with a smokestack one hundred and seven 
feet high. The building is equipped with a Rice 
automatic slide-valve engine, which runs an Edi- 
son dynamo, that furni.shes the electric light for 
all the in.stitution buildings and grounds. A 
storage battery is used to supply the light during 
the latter part of the night. The building is also 
furnished with a Knowles pump for fire purpo.ses, 
two smaller pumps for filling boilers, and an 
eight-horsepower engine for driving the machin- 
ery. In the boiler-room are three large tubular 
boilers, five feet in diameter by sixteen feet in 
length, for generating steam u.sed in the heating 
of the buildings, which is done by the gravity- 
return .system, and another boiler, 3x11, for run- 
ning the dynamo engine, and for heating water. 
On the second floor is the laundry, which is sup- 
plied with reversible hydraulic washers, a Wes- 
ton centrifugal wringer, and a ternary mangle. 
Other buildings contain the printing-office, which 
is supplied with a Prouty power-pre.ss, jobber 
and cutter; a cabinet-shop, a shoe-shop, a finely- 
equipped gymnasium, bath and swimming pool, 
play-rooms and hospital. 

The present Superintendent, J. W. Swiler, took 
charge of the institution in Jul\-, iSSo. During 
his administration the new buildings have been 



constructed, the various departments of the insti- 
tution enlarged and developed, and to-day the 
institution enjoys the reputation of being one of 
the best equipped and best managed schools in 
the countr>-. Tliat Mr. Swiler is a man well 
qualified for the position he holds is universally 
admitted, and is further attested l)y the fact that he 
is retained, notwith.standing political changes in 
the administration of the State. The following 
mention is taken from Prof Robin.son's histor)- of 
the institution: '■ The present Superintendent, 
John W. Swiler, was born in Cumberland 
County, Pennsylvania, in 1S44. In 1852 his 
parents removed to Monmouth, 111., and in the 
course of time he entered the college at that place, 
and graduated in 1864, after which he engaged 
in the book trade for two years. In 1867 he 
went to Jacksonville, 111., where he was appoint- 
ed as a teacher in the .State institution there. 
His stay in Jacksonville covered thirteen years, 
during which time he constantly rose to promi- 
nence as a man well fitted to educate and go\-eni. 
Endowed with great practical and executive abil- 
ity, as well as good judgment, he .seems to have 
found his proper place in the profession. His 
experience grows rapidh- with his years. His 
appearance indicates energy, decision and firm- 
ne.ss. His u.se of the .sign language is character- 
ized by perspicuity, and his utterances are 
fraught with the useful and practical. .Since he 
came here he has steadily grown in the esteem of 
tho.se in his charge, no le.ss for his managing 
skill than for the faithful care, consideration and 
respect he ever evinces for them. And in clos- 
ing it does not seem too much to say that his 
management has had a tendency to develop the 
present material and mental resources of the 
school to a degree ne\er snrpa.ssed." Superin- 
tendent Swiler isamember of the Wisconsin State 
Educational Committee, and was a member of the 
committee of that section of the World's Fair 
Congress Auxiliary devoted to deaf-nuUe in- 
struction, of which Dr. P. G. Gillett wascliairman. 
He is a man of progre.s.sive ideas, and during liis 
admiui.stration the school has attained a lii.i;Ii 
rank anu)ng the institutions of the countrs . In 
18S5 the institution received a diploma iVom the 



iI2 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Cotton Centennial Exposition at New Orleans for 
pupils' work. Very flatttriiiK exhibits of school 
work were made at the Teachers' National Con- 
vention at -Madison in 1884. also at ChicaRo in 
1 886, and at the Milwaukee Industrial I-lxpos- 
ilion at several times. 

The institution was under the general manage- 
nient of a Board of Trustees from its establish- 
ment till 1881, when, with all other charitable, 
penal and reformatory institutions in the State, 
it j)assed under tlie control of a State Board of 
Supervision, consisting of George W. Burchard, 
president; Charles Luling, James Bintliff, C. I). 
I'arker and L. A. Proctor. The outgoing board 
of trustees consisted of S. K. LaHar, I). G. Chee- 
ver, Hollis Latham, Iv I). Holton and Albert 
Salisbury. Dr. A. L. Chapin, the late President 



of Beloit College, resigned in 1880. He was for 
many years the President of this Board, and, 
having once been a teacher of the deaf was at 
all times the ardent supjiorter and warm friend of 
the institution, and is held in sacretl memory by 
all deaf-mutes and all friends of deaf-mute in- 
struction in the State of Wi.scon.sin. The Board 
of ,Sui)ervi.sion remained in office for ten years, 
and during its administration of affairs the jniblic 
institutions of the State enjoyed a period of un- 
precedented growth and development. In 1891 
this Board was .succeeded by the State Board of 
Control, which at present consists of Clarence 
Snyder of Ashland, President; Charles D. Park- 
er, of River Falls; J. E. Jones, of Portage: J. I.. 
Cleary, of Keno.sha: \V. H. Graebner, of 
Milwaukee; and J. W. Oliver, of Waupun. 



INDEX. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



Abell.S. B i.>s 

Acker. N. M 262 

Adams, John 23 

Adams, J. Q 39 

Adams, S. K 446 

Aldrich, C. R 322 

Alexander, A. K 239 

Alleu, D. S 25.S 

Allen, (leorge 252 

AUott, John 326 

Aram, James 152 

Aruold. S. G - 233 

Arnold, Varmini 380 

Arthur. C. A 99 

Arwood, A. W 346 



B 



Badger. C. F, .254 

Bailey, Amos 475 

Baue. W. C 154 

Barfield. Josiah '. 409 

Barlow, S. V 202 

Barnes. H. D 321 

Barr. G. W 127 

Barr. J. E 168 

Barr, Thomas 213 

Beurhans. W. A 318 

Bigelow, Daniel 361 

Big Foot 11 S 

Bill, B. J.. M. D 465 

Blauke. C. U..., 146 

Bliss. A. J 424 

Blnmcnfeld, I> 479 

Bonham, \V. R i 375 

Bovee, H. S 301 

Bowraaii. Joseph 379 

Brabazou, J. R 413 

Brandt, E. J 282 

Briggs. J. G 474 

Brown, D. M 393 

Browuell, Frederick 177 

Bruns. G. H 344 

Buchanan, James 75 

Buckbee, F. A 164 



Bullock, W.H 163 Dillenbeck. John 455 

Bundy, Edward .. .124 Dodge, F. H., M. D 332 

Burgett, Frederick.. 212 Dorr, Jerrj- 489 

Burgit, William 299 Dorr, John 412 

Burk, Z. B ■-.... 398 Donbleday, Joel • 439 

Burns. Peter 440 Douglas, H. I, -365 

Douglass. C. L --257 

Dnucomb. J- W •303 

Durkee. F, M i-g 

c 



Campbell. Dr. li. C 142 

Campbell, E. E., M. D 245 

Campbell, J. H., M. U 284 

Canright, O. S., M. D 427 

Carey, J. M 137 

Carliu, A. G 457 

Carter, John 235 

Case, J. N 308 

Case, S. L 286 

Catlin. G. E. M. D i6[ 

Chapiii. \V. D . 133 

Cheney, Calvin 330 

Church, Cynus .' 240 

Cleveland, .S. G 103 

Clough, W. E-... 281 

Coburu, O. W 444 

Cochran. Hon. W. A igS 

Coe, E. D • 432 

Collie, Rev. Joseph 203 

Condon. Rev. P. \V 264 

Conger. \V. H 404 

Cook, A. W 29,8 

Cook, I,. C 291 

Cooper, L. B -. 345 

Cramer, C. H 350 

Cniger, H. C 368 

CuUen. Edward 207 

Cntterid£je. \V. J 141 



D 



Davidson. Ebenezer. 211 

Da\-is, J.V 331 

Davis. Theodore 135 

Denison. J. W 395 

Devendorf. D. B., M. D 125 

Dickenson. A. W 278 



Eames, F, II . ... ,391 

Eaton, S. M 266 

Eggleston, Miss C. C 305 

Ellis. C. P 4«« 1^3 

Eugeberg, Conrad... ,^^27 

Ernst. Prof. A. F 302 

Ewing. O.G 288 



Fahr. Dr. H. P 488 

Fairchild, Nelson 187 

Fargo. E. K ..3S6 

Fargo, Robert ■«342 

Farrar, G. W 227 

Feld, C. R.. M. D 313 

Fellows, G. D 204 

Fellows, T. A ..199 

Fellows, T. H 181 

Fillmore, Millard 67 

^ish. J. M 463 

Folts, David 246 

Foote, Frank , 382 

F'oster, Asa . .374 

Foster, h- T .490 

l*"ow!er, Samuel 419 

Francisco. N. () 201 

Eraser. F.I, 428 

French. C. S 134 



G 



Gage, I. H 

Gauiion. J M. 



392 
•383 



514 __ 

Garfield, J. A. . 

C.iWw, C. C 

(lillicrt, C. D 

C.illllTt. K. I 

I'.illcttr, rrof. Orisca 

Gortze. W. C 

CunlKil. F. H.. M. U 

('■rnlT. John 

C.rniil. V.S 

Orcfiiiiig. William 

r.rcene.C. P 

(*frccnwoo<l. A. W. . . . 
c'.rctiiwood, C I-". - . . 
(•.regoni-. II. V.. M li 
C'triRWolcl. G. S- 
(;ros»i, Daniel. . 



ixi)i;x. 



. 95 JoucH, Danit 
IIS JikIc. J. 1'. 

lio 

^".'^ 

Iffi 

II'- 



44S 



.1S4 



Kii\i-. .\rllltir, . 
Krilh. M. B. ... 
KcMol.J. r... 
KiiiK. i'>lnunul. 
KiliK. W. M . 
Krebs. George.. 



K 



Nciiuuiii. J )•: 

Niirri*. W. L. - 
N.Jtr. Ur. V. \V 
Noiir>i*, H. K.. . 
Nc.iir-,e. I,. M 



,102 



N 



O 



-•14 



II 



Hiibemicht, Rudolph 
HahheKKcr, John. . . . 

Hall. J. W 

Hall. \V. \V 

Hnniiltun. O. T 

Hamniersley, C. H 

Hammersley. W. H.. Sr. 

Hare. C. E 

Harrington, G. I> 

Harrington. P. G 

Harrison, llenjaniin. . 

Harrison, \V. H 

Har\*cy. K. N 

Haskins. U. V. 

Hatch, S. N 

Hayes, R. D 

Hcg, J. K 
. Hcniinwny, Ur. J. K 

Henry, A. W 

Ilick.s, Rev. J. H 

Hitchcock. S. P 

HoliU'U. W. J 

Hullinsheatl. William 

Hollister, J. H 

Hnntcr, A. II 
Hyde, A. W. . 



O'Connor, H. J 
(Xlell, I,. G.. 
I (slock. John . 
Owen. A K 



(•"■I 



Ives, Amos 



Jackson. Antlrcu . . 

Jackscni, I*. R 

Jackson. William. . 

Jacoltson. olc. 

Jefferson. Thomas.. . 
Jocekel llruthcrs. . 
Johnson. .Andrew, . 
Johnson. I*rank . . . 
Johnson, Timothy. . 
Johns*m. W. N 



.297 

.J7.i 

.44» 
.487 
.124 
,l«S 
.429 
■458 
,.470 
•107 
■ SI 

.38.S 

• iSi 



n\ 

iri) 
■ •'.'.! 

471 
..•16 



Kackey. Jcjscph. .. . 

Lake. P. W 

I,ariiard. I. P 

Lauderdale. James 
Lincoln, ,\hraham 
Lincoln. William 
Longley. P. K. . . 

Lnther. Martin 

Lyon, Miss Sarah 



4.? 
. l.!9 

..!«• 

■ 27 

.«! 

4<ll 
.t.'H 
.ISJ 



417 

265 

"57 
.276 

■ "9 
.;o6 

2.S9 
.239 

293 



M 



Madison, James 

Malctnnh, I-dwar.l , 

Mannegold. A. 1- 

Marks, Rev. L N.. Jr. 
Mcllumey, Dr. K. S . 

McCottcr. Samuel 

McDongall, J. S 

McKev. T. I" 
Meach;ini. C. C. 

Mcacham, W. P 

Mea*Iows. tleorge 

M.adows. Hon. William 
Meadows. William . 
Merriam. Rev. J. I". 
Merrick, I. W 
Merrill, J. W 
Millar. Rev. I-'. W 
Miller. C 1,. M. I) 

Miller. C. S 

Minis, J. W 

Mills, G. W.,M. D 

Mitchell, Kdwar.l 

Monroe, James 

Moore, F. S 

M.Kire, J. W 

Moore. P. 11 

Morgan. J. \\ . 
Mosher. Th»nnas 
Moulding I- C. M M 
Mueller, l-Mward. , 
Mnlherger. Henry 
Mnrdock, Samuel. .. 






4.V'i 

221 

■47,1 

.4S.I 

.271 

312 

■376 

.W7 

172 

.173 

492 

4tri 

.-•OS 
4!> 

.167 
.Vs 
114 
jSs 



-•A. 
.»2»t 
U7 



Page, v.. 1) 

PagcJ. H 

Palmer. B. S 

Parish. Waller 

Peacock. John 

IMuenix. Mrs. S. A... 

Pierce. Franklin 

Piper, M. L 

Polk. J. K 

Pollard, Martin 

Porter, D. C 

porter, John 

Porter, W. H 

Potter J. K 

Pratt Mori is 



Q 



yiiciUmcycr. I*. C 



R 



Racek. Kdwaril 

Ray. Hon C. A 

Rector, I) W., M. II .. 

R-.ek. J. S 

Kenuer. John 

Reynolds, B. O., M !> 
Reynolds, I)r J. l. 
Rice. Seymour.. 
Rich. Harrison. 
Riclilluind, .A. O. . 



4«3 
147 
-vS2 
402 
l.W 

1^7 
71 



■■94 
MO 

I'M 



;4H 
is.i 
143 
2l,S 
120 
17.^ 

Ih2 
1'" 
II" 
!-■' 



INDEX. 



515 



Ridge, J. W 449 Taylor, Johu ,77 

Ross, Washiujjtou ;. 143 Taj-lor, Zachary 6.1 

Rouse, William 196 Terwilliger, George 414 

Tyler, Johu , 55 

Tyrrell, H. B ,66 

S 



Schaiib, fleorge 452 

Schwartz, Paul 411 

Shaver. H. J 296 

Shepard, I,. D '. 238 

Sheppard, Kdward , 3S4 

Shimmius, R. R .248 

Short. R. D . .145 

Shulz, A. R ,iS6 

Skiuuer. C. B 319 

Smith. A. B / 396 

Smith, Rev. J. G 253 

Smith, Hon. L. J 405 

Smith, R. S 222 

Smith. Samuel 260 

Solliday. Alhert 314 

Spooner. A. S 117 

Stacy, W. D 311 

Stafford, Amos 1=^:; 

Stone, Jesse 263 

Stoppeubach, O. F 381 

Storey, Nelsou, Jr 243 

Stiibbs, H. N 136 

Swiler, Prof. J. W 151 



Taiick. August 343 

Taylor. H. A 4.S4 



V 



Vail, Floyd 431 

Vau Bureu, Martiu 47 

Vau Schaick, S. H 251 

Vau Velzer, W. H 226 

Vaughu, George 323 

Vaughn. Heury 442 

Viebahu, Prof. C. F 261 



Westph.Ml. J. N 4S6 

Weter, M. E 206 

Wheeler, J. B 406 

Whitmore, A. D 309 

Whitniorc, Jo.seph 294 

Wiggenhoru, Coustauce 279 

Wilkius, C. E [=,-i 

Williams. E. K. . . - jcs 

Williams, R A 147 

Williams. H. A 200 

\\'iniauis. H. H J22 

Williams, R. J 

Williams, T. F 

Willis, r,. H 

Wilmer. Augustus 

Wilsou, W. H., M. U 214 

Wood, Haruiou ^69 

Woodard, Archibald 24, 

Wright, B. F 21.S 

Wright, C.P 224 

Wyckoff. J. I, 237 

Wylie, H. C 358 



.290 

■477 
.274 
.V(> 



W 



Wall. Thomas 25S Yates. J. M. 

Washingtou, George 19 

Waterman. G. S 434 

Weed. James 269 

Weeks, Aruold 217 

Weeks, E. A r 121 

Weeks, Hou. T. D 430 

Weeks, W. G 174 

Werner. F. C, M. D 283 



,.480 



Portraits. 



Adams. John 22 Fillniure. .Millar.l no MeachamCC 220 

Adams, J. Q 38 Fish, J. M 460 Millar. Rev. F. W ,72 

'^'■'lu.r. C. A 98 Fish, Mr.s. J. M 461 Mouroe.James 3, 

Barfield. Josiah 40S Garfield. J. A 94 Pierce. Franklin 

Buchanan. James 74 Grant, r. S 86 Polk. J. K 

Cauright, O. S 426 Harrison. Benjamin 106 Pollard, Martin 

Catliu, G. E., M 11 160 Harrisou.W.H 

Chapin. W. D 



70 

58 

334 

50 Pollard, Mrs. Martin 33^ 

• 130 Hayes. R.B 90 Potter, J. F 3"^ 

Chapin, Mrs. W. U ,31 Jackson, Andrew . 42 Spooner. A. S ,",6 

Cleveland, S. G 102 Jefferson, Thoma> 

Davidson, Ebeuczer 

F'ames, F. H 

Ellis. C. P 

Ellis, Mrs. C. P 

Fellows, T. H 



26 Taylor. Zachary 62 

.210 Johusou. .\ndrew 82 Tyler. John.. ^4 

; ..igo Johnson, Wesley 182 VauBureu. Martiu 46 

..190 Kaye. Arthur 170 Van Schaick, S. H 2.S0 

. 191 Lincoln. Abraham 78 Washington. George "iS 

..iSo Madison. James 30 Weed. James 269 



